With Eid approaching, clothing markets across Khulna have become increasingly vibrant as shoppers flock to both footpath stalls and upscale shopping centers. Demand is particularly high for women’s fashionable outfits, including three-piece sets, gowns and lehengas.
Traders say sales in upscale shopping centers have noticeably increased since the 14th day of Ramadan, especially after government employees received their salaries and Eid bonuses. As a result, markets across the city have been experiencing heavy crowds in recent days.
On Wednesday, busy streets—from the footpath stalls at Dakbanglo Mor to well-known shopping complexes—were packed with buyers. Women’s clothing stores appeared to attract significantly larger crowds than men’s outlets, with shoppers particularly interested in stylish three-piece outfits, gowns and other trendy garments.
Several major markets in the city have witnessed a surge in shoppers. These include Akhtar Chamber, Haji Malek Chamber, Esha Chamber, Picture Palace, Khulna Shopping Complex, Rob Supermarket, Shahid Suhrawardy Biploni Bittan, Railway Biploni Bittan, Jabbar Market, Khanzahan Ali Hawkers Market, New Market’s Habra and Majhari Market.
According to shopkeepers, mid-range markets and footpath vendors are currently enjoying higher sales because their prices are comparatively affordable.
Sajib, a footpath vendor near Dakbanglo Mor, said business was slow until the 10th day of Ramadan but started improving after government employees received their Eid bonuses. He sells men’s T-shirts and shirts priced between Tk150 and Tk300.
Another small vendor, Hasib, who sells children’s clothing, said his sales have also increased since the 15th day of Ramadan.
At Railway Biploni Bittan, also known as Nickson Market, Masum, a men’s clothing shop owner, said he sells pants ranging from Tk300 to Tk1,200. He noted that sales have risen over the past two days and expects business to improve further as Eid approaches.
Meanwhile, upscale shopping centers are also seeing strong demand. Utpal Dutta, owner of Aishika Fashion at Khulna Shopping Center, said cotton three-piece sets, georgette gowns, organza outfits, jimucci dresses and Persian gowns are particularly popular among young women and teenagers.
Prices vary depending on fabric and design. Cotton three-piece sets are selling for Tk1,500 to Tk4,000, while georgette Pakistani Persian gowns range from Tk5,000 to Tk10,000. Organza outfits cost Tk3,000 to Tk7,000, jimucci dresses Tk2,500 to Tk3,000, and Indian Persian gowns Tk3,000 to Tk7,000.
Abul Hossain of Mariam Enterprise said Persian gowns made in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh are among the most sought-after items this Eid season, with prices ranging from Tk3,000 to Tk9,000. He added that although Eid shopping usually peaks during the first week of Ramadan, this year the rush began after the 15th day.
However, some shoppers said prices remain high. Din Islam, a local resident, said he had been visiting markets since noon but found many items expensive and planned to purchase clothing for his children later.
Despite concerns about prices, the growing Eid rush indicates that demand for fashionable clothing—particularly women’s attire—continues to drive market activity across Khulna.