Traders see slow Eid business in Islampur amid rising fabric costs

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, traders from across Bangladesh usually flock to Islampur, one of Dhaka’s largest wholesale fabric markets.

They buy local and imported fabrics, including unstitched cloth, panjabis, saris, lungis, salwar kameez, three-piece sets, and burqas.

However, even after a week of Ramadan, traders in Islampur say the expected rush has yet to materialise.

Some report moderate sales, while others say business is unsatisfactory.

Islampur’s main road, which starts from the Banglabazar intersection, has fabric shops on both sides.

The market extends into adjacent streets and lanes, such as GL Garth Lane, Ashik Lane, and Syed Awlad Hossain Road, where traders mainly deal in wholesale fabric.

Nababbari Market, on the other hand, is known for retail sales, which continue until the night before Eid.

Traders say fabric prices have increased by Tk 100 to Tk 200 per piece compared with last year due to rising production costs and a stronger US dollar.

Riaz Uddin, an employee at New Lamia Fabrics, told bdnews24.com: "Sales are slower than usual this Eid, but Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), we are managing. However, wholesale buyers are fewer this year, and profits are lower."

Rafiqul Islam from Amin Fabrics in Lions Tower said, "We expected better sales, but it seems people have less money. The amount of fabric traders are buying is about one-third of what they took in previous Eids."

Khorshed Alam, owner of Anga Fashion, said: "We usually sell three-piece sets wholesale, but this year, sales are low. We will now shift to retail sales. We have all types of fabrics, but Indian silk is more expensive this time. compared with last year, sales have dropped significantly."

Mizanur Rahman Patwari, a trader from Feni Sadar, confirmed the price hike.

"I bought unstitched fabric before Ramadan. Now, I am here for three-piece sets and Panjabis. Prices are higher than before, and sales are lower. I will buy less this time and return if needed."

Dipu Raihan, a businessman from Mymensingh’s Fulbaria, said: "I already brought in a stock before Ramadan, but sales are slow. Panjabis sell more at the last moment, so I came to buy more. However, I will buy fewer fabrics than usual."

Rasel Mia, owner of H Cloth, noted: "Sales are happening, but the number of wholesale buyers has decreased. Cotton fabrics are selling well."

TRADERS HOPE FOR A LATE SALES SURGE

On Monday afternoon, the Banglabazar intersection was crowded as usual, with rickshaws and pushcarts carrying fabric bundles.

However, traders said the rush was still lower than in previous years.

They hope sales will pick up as Eid nears.

Salim Reza, owner of Bandhan Garments, said: "Last year, our shop was so crowded that there was no space to stand. This time, it’s different. Many people are just asking prices and not buying. We have new designs, and we hope business will improve in the final days."

Md Anik, owner of Preeti Fashion, said: "If sales were like before, I wouldn’t have had time to talk now. This is usually our peak season, but business is not as good as expected. However, I am hopeful that from Friday, more customers will come."

Hridoy Hasan of Panjabi World said, "The situation is concerning, but we expect changes soon."

Robin Mia, manager of Textile Wears Women’s, said fabric prices have risen by Tk 100 to Tk 200 per piece.

"The higher US dollar rate has pushed up the cost of Indian and Chinese fabrics. Local production costs have also risen,” he said.

Despite the price hike, wholesale buyers are purchasing less than before.

“Usually, wholesale sales would be almost over by now, but many traders are saying they will come later. We expect steady sales until the 20th of Ramadan," said Robin.

Sulaiman Hossain, a trader from Patuakhali’s Galachipa, regularly buys wholesale fabrics from Islampur.

"Buying early is better because there’s less crowd. Sales will pick up now, so we need stock," he said.

When asked how much fabric he would buy, he replied: "I have to buy less this year because sales are slow. If needed, I will return for more."

[Writing in English by Arshi Fatiha Quazi]