Published on 12:00 AM, March 31, 2023

My Dhaka

Shoe stores of West Dhanmondi: Where quality meets budget

Photo: Prabir Das

If you can show us the photograph of the shoe's design and specify any other modification, we will make that for you within Tk 3,000 to 4,000!

— Shonjoy, shop employee

Road 8/A of West Dhanmondi, a bustling area in Dhaka, is an amazing place for those in search of quality shoes at affordable prices, and hence, worthy of paying a visit for your Eid shopping.

The road beside Keari Plaza leads to an area where a large number of shoe shops are found on both sides of the street. Whether it is for formal occasions, casual outings, or just daily wear, the outlets have a plethora of footwear options.

"There are around 15 shops in this hub," said Shonjoy Robi Das, a sales representative of New Babul Shoe Store. "We have our own factory, and from there, we make shoes with locally sourced leather. Cost of everything has increased, and we aren't immune from this either. But still customers can get good deals here compared to products of different prominent brands, as we try to give people the best value for money."

The unique thing about New Babul Shoe Store and others in that cluster is the fact that they offer custom-made shoes too.

Photo: Prabir Das

This means customers can get footwear tailored to their specific measurements and preferences. The process involves selecting the type of shoe, leather, colour, and design, which is then crafted by skilled artisans.

Shoe prices in the area range from Tk 500 for casual sandals to over Tk 5,000 for high-quality leather formal shoes or sneakers. Most stores specialise in leather shoes for both men and women, but some also offer artificial leather or alternative materials.

At a time when many people are struggling with the living cost, finding quality products at a reasonable price has become a top priority. As Eid approaches, these shops can be a boon for those who want to maintain their standard of living without breaking the bank before the festival.

"Let's say you have seen this really fancy pair of leather shoes at an upscale store that is priced around Tk 10,000. If you can show us the photograph of the shoe's design and specify any other modification, we will make that for you within Tk 3,000 to 4,000!" Shonjoy claimed. "We would just need at least seven days to make the shoes for you from scratch."

 

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