Shopping malls in Faridpur are witnessing a noticeable increase in footfall, with many families out shopping for Eid.
Clothing merchants in the city have stocked up on a variety of items for both children and adults, including Punjabis and other traditional wear.
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Popular shopping areas like New Market, Chawkbazar, and Haji Shariatullah Bazar are bustling with shoppers, including even the youngest family members, looking for their favourite clothes.
Traders said that business this year is looking better than in previous years, with more affordable options for consumers.
Saddam Hossain Joni, leader of the Chawkbazar Cloth Traders’ Association, said that there is a noticeable increase in customers, particularly from the middle and lower-middle classes.
From Saturday onwards, shopping activity in these markets has been in full swing.
Women, too, are shopping alongside men, and the demand for new designs is rising daily.
Popular items being sold include boys’ Punjabis, lungis, shirts, girls’ sarees, bangles, three-piece suits, and children’s clothes.
Shopkeeper Biplob Sarkar said that sales this year are better than in previous years, but many lower-income people rely on footpath markets where prices are lower compared to more expensive shops in the main markets.
Sales are also good in the floating shops around Adarsho Market, New Market, Baitul Mokaddem Market in Goalchamot, and temporary shops near Janata Bank intersection.
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In addition, sales are also relatively good in the city's mobile phone shops. Taking this opportunity, sellers have offered discounts on several models.
Shoe shops are also seeing increased sales, with prices ranging from Tk 350 to 3,000 to cater to all customers.
However, a buyer from the Faridpur suburbs said that while the variety of products is good, prices have gone up compared to last year.
Some shoppers prefer to finish their Eid shopping early to avoid the expected crowd later in the month.
They also expressed concerns about the law and order situation, hoping for a smooth shopping experience.
Regarding safety, Faridpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Shailen Chakma, said that security measures have been strengthened in all shopping malls.
He said that plainclothes officers are present in the markets to maintain peace and prevent any incidents.