Aarong yearly sales leaping over 20pc
Aarong, one of Bangladesh's top retail chains, has been posting more than 20 percent growth in sales for the last couple of years thanks to heritage lovers.
According to top officials of the lifestyle brand, sales turnover reached Tk 850 crore in 2017 and is expected to cross Tk 1,000 crore this year.
“The demand for Aarong products has increased due to a rising trend of consumers seeking a taste of Bangladesh's heritage,” said Tamara Abed, senior director for Aarong, a social enterprise of Brac.
She was addressing a press conference at the Brac Centre Inn in the capital's Mohakhali yesterday. Aarong organised the briefing to announce a three-day celebration at the Army Stadium starting October 25 to mark its 40th anniversary.
Tamara said “Aarong 40 Years Festival” will be open to the public and will celebrate the rich heritage of Bangladeshi crafts and its artisans.
“Aarong is the collaborative work of the people of Bangladesh -- from women in rural areas, to master craftspeople, to designers and administrators,” she said.
“Aarong has grown up with Bangladesh. This festival is a celebration of that special bond, 40 years of memories and homage to the artisans who keep our heritage alive.”
Tamara said the brand stopped exporting to the UK as retailers were unwilling to keep the Aarong tag.
In turn, products have been made available online for customers abroad, including the UK, she said.
Aarong supports more than 65,000 rural craftspeople and handicraft producers and operates 21 outlets across the country.
Participants at the festival can experience live demonstrations of the creation of crafts and take part in workshops with artisans from around the country at 11 different exhibits.
Special programmes will include an award ceremony recognising outstanding craftspeople and entrepreneurs, a fashion show featuring collections of HERSTORY, TAAGA and TAAGA MAN brands, and a concert of James and Nagar Baul, Joler Gaan, Nemesis and Minar.
Aarong Chief Operating Officer Mohammad Ashraful Alam and Design Consultant Chandra Shekhar Saha were present.
Aarong was established in 1978 to support the lives and livelihoods of rural artisans. In the last 40 years, it has fused traditional, indigenous Bangladeshi heritage with contemporary designs, setting the fashion and lifestyle trends in the country.
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