Eid shopping frenzy grips Sylhet

With Eid just around the corner, people are thronging shopping malls and roadside shops in Sylhet city to buy their desired items.

From morning till midnight, the shops are bustling with crowd. Tailoring shops are equally crowded with people taking deliveries of their dresses. Favourable weather has also enhanced this year’s shopping experience.

Shopping hotspots in the city include Nayasarak, Zindabazar, Kumarpara, Jail Road, Lamabazar and Amberkhana -- where most shopping malls and brand outlets are located.

On the other hand, low and lower-middle income people are thronging makeshift shops on footpaths and roads in Bandarbazar, Zindabazar and Chowhatta areas.

Female shoppers were seen buying dresses, bangles, earrings and other items, while male shoppers looked for panjabis, shirts, pants, tupi (prayer caps), tasbih (prayer beads) and other products.

During a recent visit to shopping malls and markets around the city, shoppers said prices of products varied depending on location. At some places it seemed quite reasonable while it was quite high at some other places.

Maruf Ahmed, a businessman, was seen shopping at a premiere lifestyle retailer in Jail Road area with his family on Thursday night. “The store just moved to a new location. It’s much bigger and has a better collection now. It’s also more crowded.”

Kahar Hossain and his friends were shopping for clothes in Nayasarak area. “All the stores have brought out new collections for Eid. There are so many options; it will take time to find something suitable.”

They, however, said prices are a bit higher this year.

Roadside shops at Bandarbazar are also bustling with people.

Jamal Miah, a rickshaw-puller, said, “It’s hard to get new outfits  for everyone on my budget. Hopefully I’ll be able to get something for everyone.”

Despite complaints, there was a sense of joy and excitement among shoppers, which resonated with shop owners as well.

Mahiuddin Ahmed Saleem, owner of a shop at Nayasarak, said, “Since last week, we had to stay open till sehri as people kept on shopping.”

Moloy Datta Mithu, general manager of a shopping centre at Zindabazar, said, “We are seeing more customers this year as all the stores are displaying quality products at reasonable prices”.

To boost Eid sale, almost all shops are offering discounts while many are running promotional campaigns -- both online and offline.