Regarding Durga Puja, fashion firms and stores in Bangladesh are witnessing a significant surge in client traffic, even in the face of political upheaval and soaring pricing. This significant Hindu holiday, which falls on 10th October this year, is predicted to boost sales as shop owners become more upbeat in the wake of prior anxieties related to the political unrest that followed the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League administration on 5th August.
About 70 per cent of festival-related purchases typically originate from Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, with the remaining 20 per cent coming from events like Durga Puja and Pahela Baishakh.
Sales usually reach their peak ten days before Durga Puja and then stay high for three days after. But growing inflation, which peaked in August at 10.49 per cent and has remained above 9 per cent since March 2023, is affecting consumers’ spending power and raising concerns.
Kay Kraft co-founder Khalid Mahmood Khan said that sales numbers are similar to what was observed prior to Durga Puja last year. Although he recognised that the political climate of the nation has created uncertainty in consumer confidence, he also stated that sales are anticipated to increase in the week preceding the festival.
Sarees and salwar kameez are popular commodities; sarees made of silk, katan, or embroidery are especially in demand. Although sales have remained consistent, Soumik Das, manager of Rang Bangladesh, said that there hasn’t been any growth over the prior year. He said that because it is difficult for people to travel to India for shopping, some have chosen to shop at local establishments.
Head of marketing and e-commerce at Apex Footwear Limited Raihan Kabir said their Puja collection, which debuted on 29th September, has gotten positive feedback. Local conditions, however, differ; Mohammad Rusel, a vendor in Dhaka’s New Market, noted a notable drop in patronage, saying, “The shop has been mostly empty all day.”
Retailers anticipate a boost in sales as Durga Puja approaches, provided that foot traffic and the political climate in the area stay stable.
