Dhaka’s small clothing and footwear retailers are grappling with disappointing sales figures ahead of Eid, despite implementing price reductions in an effort to attract customers. Reports indicate that sales have plummeted by 30-50 per cent compared to previous years, with many shops struggling to meet even 60 per cent of their sales targets.
On average, small retailers have reduced prices by 10-20 per cent to entice buyers, yet foot traffic remains low. Many shop owners are reporting daily sales figures significantly below their expectations, with average sales dropping from Taka 70,000-90,000 to as low as Taka 40,000-50,000. The decline is particularly striking for clothing shops, where the once-bustling Eid shopping scene is now characterized by sluggishness.
Retailers have noted a shift in customer behavior, with many buyers negotiating prices aggressively. The trend reveals that consumers are tightening their budgets, with average spending on Eid-related purchases falling from Taka 40,000-50,000 to around Taka 20,000-25,000 for families. This change in spending patterns has left shop owners concerned about covering operational costs, including salaries for additional staff hired for the festive season.
As Eid approaches, retailers remain cautiously optimistic for a last-minute surge in sales. However, with only a few days remaining before the holiday, the overall outlook for small shops continues to be uncertain, as they hope for an increase in customer turnout and spending to salvage their Eid sales.
