A cold wave sweeping across parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka, during the Bengali month of Poush has led to a sharp rise in demand for winter clothing, traders and shoppers said.
With temperatures dropping, residents are increasingly relying on warm garments both outdoors and indoors, prompting higher footfall at major markets across the capital. Busy scenes were reported at New Market, New Super Market, Chandrima Super Market, Nurjahan Plaza, Globe Super Market, Gausia Market, Hawkers Market and Badruddoza Super Market, where brisk sales and active bargaining were observed.
Shops, shopping malls and footpaths across the city are displaying a wide range of winter wear, including jackets, sweaters, blazers, hoodies, sweatshirts, heavyweight T-shirts, mufflers, ear caps and other seasonal items in various designs, sizes and qualities.
Salespeople said demand has increased significantly in recent days following the sudden drop in temperature. A salesman at New Market said sales of winter clothing had almost doubled compared with the previous week due to the intensifying cold.
Shoppers visiting the markets cited the need to buy additional warm clothing, particularly for children, as temperatures continued to fall. A resident of Azimpur, who visited Nurjahan Market to shop for her children, said the cold had become more intense over the past week, prompting fresh purchases despite having winter clothes from last year.
In addition to established markets, large crowds were also seen at footpath shops in areas such as New Market, Farmgate, Gulistan, Mouchak and Mirpur. Traders there reported a near doubling of sales, with customers from lower- and middle-income groups forming the bulk of buyers.
Prices at footpath stalls were described as affordable, with adult winter wear typically priced between Taka 300 and Taka 1,000, while children’s items ranged from Taka 200 to Taka 500, depending on quality. Market traders said winter garments in shops were selling for between Taka 250 and Taka 2,000–3,000, though most transactions were taking place in the Taka 250 to Taka 700 range.
Significant demand was also reported for old imported winter clothing, with buyers purchasing items such as hoodies, sweaters, jackets, cardigans, mufflers, socks, shawls and children’s wear.
Footpath hawkers said the colder weather had created opportunities for increased income, as demand for warm clothes rose sharply. A footpath seller in the New Market area said higher customer turnout had led to a substantial increase in sales volumes, allowing traders to operate on lower margins. He said goods were typically purchased in bundles costing between Taka 500 and Taka 1,000, with overall profits increasing due to higher sales volumes.
Buyers said footpath markets offered good quality winter clothing at lower prices, though congestion remained a concern. A shopper from Kalabagan, who visited New Market to buy a hoodie, said the availability of affordable and varied clothing was a key reason for choosing footpath stalls, despite the heavy crowds making movement difficult.
Traders expect demand for winter clothing to remain strong if the cold wave persists in the coming days.
