Dhaka’s footpaths abuzz with low-income Eid shoppers

Wayside shops experience huge rush of Eid shoppers in Dhaka City

Dhaka, March 29 – As the crescent moon of Eid-ul-Fitr draws near, the heart of Bangladesh’s capital pulsates with an electrifying shopping spree.

The city’s pavements, ordinarily an unassuming stretch of concrete, have been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, fabric and fervour, drawing thousands of eager shoppers in pursuit of the perfect festive ensemble.

With retail stores and shopping malls adorned in dazzling lights, enticing visitors with their luxurious displays, many middle-class consumers find themselves navigating a different avenue—the bustling footpath markets.

Here, affordability triumphs over grandeur, and haggling is an art perfected by the throngs of determined buyers.

In areas like Gulistan, New Market, Farmgate and Mirpur, the streets hum with the excited chatter of families, the rhythmic clatter of makeshift stalls being set up, and the tireless calls of vendors beckoning customers to inspect their wares.

These impromptu bazaars brim with panjabis, trousers, T-shirts, jeans, gabardine pants, footwear, belts, lungis, caps, wallets, children’s attire, sarees, three-pieces, skirts and cosmetics—everything one might need to step into Eid with flair.

Art of Bargaining and Joy of Savings

For many shoppers, the exhilaration lies in the negotiation—a verbal dance between buyer and seller. A determined customer eyes a finely embroidered kurta, ready to challenge the quoted price.

A vendor, seasoned in this back-and-forth, plays along, neither conceding too soon nor pushing too hard. Eventually, the deal is struck, and both parties part with a smile—the customer triumphant, the seller satisfied.

“The prices in big shopping malls are beyond my reach. Here, I can buy clothes and gifts for my family within my budget,” shares Rashed Alam, a shopper at New Market, his arms laden with freshly acquired purchases.

For street vendors, this season is a golden opportunity, a brief window where sales soar and profits swell. Many attest to their earnings doubling over the past week.

“People are looking for cheaper alternatives. We try to offer quality products at reasonable prices, and this attracts more customers,” explains Selim Mia, a vendor at Farmgate, as he swiftly folds a shirt for a waiting buyer.

Traffic Mayhem and Security Woes

While the footpath markets bring joy to many, they also usher in their own set of challenges. The influx of shoppers has thrown traffic into disarray, turning once-navigable roads into veritable mazes of honking vehicles and frustrated pedestrians.

Law enforcement officials work tirelessly to maintain order, their presence a necessary safeguard against chaos.

Amidst the shopping rush, concerns over security loom large. Pickpockets and petty thieves lurk in the crowd, preying on unsuspecting buyers caught up in the excitement. In response, police officers patrol key areas, their watchful eyes ensuring a safe experience for all.

The Impact of Inflation on Eid Shopping Trends

The shadow of rising inflation looms over this year’s Eid festivities, altering spending habits and reshaping the retail landscape. With essential goods taking precedence over extravagance, middle-class families have adapted by seeking cost-effective alternatives.

“We can’t afford the high prices at big shopping malls, so we rely on footpath markets,” says Rafiq Ahmed, a private-sector employee browsing through a collection of children’s outfits at New Market. “Here, we get good deals, and if we bargain well, we can save a lot.”

For these budget-conscious consumers, footpath markets are not merely a necessity but a lifeline—an embodiment of resilience, adaptation, and resourcefulness in the face of economic pressures.

As the final days of Ramadan slip away and Eid approaches in all its splendour, these vibrant street markets stand as a testament to Dhaka’s unwavering spirit.

In a city where luxury meets necessity, footpath vendors ensure that the joy of Eid remains accessible to all, proving that festivity is not measured by extravagance but by the warmth of celebration shared with loved ones. - UNB