Almost all stalls displaying local products at the Dhaka International Trade Fair 2019 (DITF 2019) are offering deep discounts to draw the attention of customers from the very beginning of the fair.
On the second day of the month-long fair being held at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, maximum foreign outlets were seen still unprepared as they are being under construction.
There were very few customers in the morning, although more were seen gathering afternoon.
Pavilions and stalls selling food, furniture, kitchenware, electronic gadgets, and clothing brands are pulling ahead in the race to attract visitors by offering discounts.
At least 20 outlets of cookware traders are offering a ‘buy one get ten’ deal. Nonstick cookware sets, microwave, and rice-cookers are also selling at discounted prices.
Customers can get 10 free products after buying a washing machine, cabinet gas stove, or microwave ovens in the price range of Tk18,000-25,000.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Sales Executive of Kaniz Enterprise Md Raihan, said: “We are offering ‘buy one get 10’ offers to draw the attention of customers.”
However, customers are not satisfied with these products. Akhtar Hossain, a visitor at the fair said: “These electric kitchen products have a reputation for lacking longevity. Most of the products under the ‘buy one get 10’ offers stop functioning within a few days.”
Both local and foreign outlets of furniture are offering lucrative deals to attract customers.
Golam Rabbani, in-charge of the stall of Delta Furnitures, said: “We are offering 10% discount for each home appliance.”
“Tanin Furniture is offering cash-back offers of up to 100%, if the customer pays through bKash,” said Mostofa Kamal, marketing in-charge of the stall.
Local producer Walton is offering 0% interest on payments made through Brac Bank credit cards. They are also selling some selected laptops Tk10,000 less than the price tags. Walton is also offering 5% discount for every television they are selling.
Samsung is offering discounts as high as Tk30,000 for smart phones.
Senior Marketing Officer of Nabisco Puspa Kanti Paul said: “We are selling a 15-item package at Tk250 and a 17-item package at Tk300.”
In the food courts, local traders are selling foods for high prices, it was alleged. Hajir Biriani is selling biriani at Tk250, which is quite high compared to the rate of Tk150 in their Old Dhaka outlet.
