As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, shopping malls, brand outlets, and street vendors in the capital are bustling with shoppers looking for new clothes. The streets of Mirpur, especially around areas 1, 2, and 10, are crowded with families shopping for Eid, but many buyers are struggling to find clothes that fit their budgets.
Prices of clothes have risen this year compared to last, leading to concerns among ordinary shoppers. Remy Bashar, a private sector employee, shared her experience of shopping for her children, saying she couldn’t find a dress for her daughter within her budget after searching for over 20 minutes at a branded store.
“I won’t be able to spend as much as I did last year,” she lamented. “Prices are high everywhere. You won’t find a frock for girls for less than 1,500 taka on the sidewalk. In fashion houses, prices are 500 to 1,000 taka higher than last year.
“Despite the high demand, sellers also acknowledge that sales are slower than expected. Many believe that the situation will improve once the salary bonuses are disbursed on March 20, which could drive more buyers to shop in the coming days.
The increased prices are largely attributed to the rise in VAT for clothing stores. While VAT was recently reduced from 15 percent to 10 percent after public criticism, it still remains higher than the previous rate, which has contributed to the increased cost of clothes.
While the quality and design of clothes are still appreciated, the ongoing price hikes have left many shoppers concerned about their ability to stick to their budgets during this busy Eid shopping season.
As Eid-ul-Fitr draws closer, the shopping rush in Mirpur has intensified, with buyers flocking to clothing stores and markets in search of new outfits. However, rising prices are putting a strain on many shoppers’ budgets, leaving them unable to find their desired clothes at affordable rates.
Shahin Shahjahan, an employee at Top Choice Brand in Mirpur 2, explained the price hikes, noting, “There is a VAT of Tk 2000 on a product worth Tk 2,000. The cost of raw materials for clothes has also increased. While not all products have seen price hikes, some new items are priced slightly higher.”
The price of clothes in the market this year has certainly risen. Boys’ cotton, embroidery, sequence, spandex, linen Punjabi shirts range between Tk 1,500 and Tk 5,000, while Kabli sets and designer Punjabis are being sold for Tk 6,000 to Tk 10,000. For girls, tops, one-pieces, two-pieces, jumpsuits, and western styles are priced from Tk 2,000 to Tk 7,000, with children’s clothes also seeing similar price increases.
Many buyers are feeling the pinch of these higher prices. Some shoppers have bought only half of what they need, while others are still searching for affordable options. A number of buyers have yet to make their purchases, hoping to benefit from discounts or bonuses that may be received closer to the Eid holidays.
Tahmina, a university student, shared her shopping experience at the Mukta Bangla Shopping Complex, saying, “This Eid falls between summer and winter. The days are extremely hot, so I’m looking for cotton and light-colored clothes. I’ll buy heavier clothes for Eid night.”
Rakib Hasan, a shopper at the Mirpur Shopping Center, echoed similar concerns: “The prices are a bit higher than last year. Despite searching for a long time, I was able to stick to my budget. However, the quality and design of the clothes didn’t seem to match the price.”
For those looking for Punjabi shirts, the price hike is more pronounced. “A good-quality Punjabi is not available for less than Tk 3,500 this year,” said Shahjahan Mia, a resident of Rupnagar, Mirpur. “Last year, I could buy the same for Tk 2,200 to Tk 2,300.”
Businessman Tarek Adnan, shopping for his daughters at a fashion house, expressed frustration: “I couldn’t finish shopping for the children. There is no Punjabi below Tk 3,000, and a good-quality one is not available for less than Tk 3,500.”
Despite the challenges, there is a significant crowd of buyers in Mirpur, particularly along the sidewalks and the main roads from Mirpur No. 13 to Mirpur No. 1. These areas are filled with vendors offering a variety of clothes, shoes, and household items. According to Gazi Mahbub Rony, senior branch manager at Artisan Brand in Mirpur No. 1, “Shopping usually picks up two weeks before Eid, and today, there is a large crowd of buyers.”
Sales on the sidewalks are expected to surge after Iftar, with sellers hoping that the upcoming Eid holidays, starting from the 26th, will bring a final rush of shoppers looking to complete their purchases. However, with prices still high, many buyers will be forced to make tough decisions to stay within their budgets.
