Spending freeze

Poor and middle-class families are spending much less on clothes this season, despite the pre-Eid rush and plenty of selection at roadside displays.

"I spent Tk 5,000 on clothes, especially warm ones, in a variety of colours," said Badrul Alam, a salesman in the city's busy Farm Gate area. "I'd hoped to make a good profit, but sales have been slow over the last 11 days and I haven't made a good start."

A woolen cardigan costs about Tk 100, while a pair of trousers sells for about Tk 120. A cotton shirt costs between Tk 80 and 130, while a woolen coat sells for about Tk 200. Children's clothes are slightly cheaper, but there is also less demand.

"I sell export quality shirts and ladies gown," said Alam's colleague, Saifuddin. "The clothes cost less this year, since supplies are good, but sadly we haven't seen that many buyers."

In Mohakhali, roadside vendors said their sales were also slow.

"I expected an increase in clothing sales for two reasons," said a vendor. "First, the Eid is approaching; and secondly, it's winter. It seems obvious people would at least buy warm cloths in the cold season, but they're not buying as much as last year.

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Some vendors complained there is too much competition from other vendors.

A garment supplier said excess or rejected clothes from garment factories are also abundant, pushing the prices down.

Vendors also said most customers are only "window shopping."

"Most just ask for the price and then walk away," said one vendor.

A customer from Mirpur said, "I have seen a lot of clothes I like, but I've decided to save my money and buy something for my family."

A customer headed towards his office in Banani said he estimated that he spent Tk 300 on clothes from the extra money he got as an Eid bonus for his family of six.

Many customers said they would wait until the last minute to buy clothes.