Nafisa Nidhi, a university student, prefers to shop online on e-commerce platforms instead of visiting physical stores on Eid al-Fitr, especially as her post-university HSC exams are coming up. is selected.
According to students at Vikarunnisa Noon School and College, ordering clothes online guarantees fast delivery within three days, improves the quality of service and reduces the chance of being scammed compared to traditional shopping methods. It will be lower.
For many people, Eid shopping is an enjoyable experience, but it is often put on the back burner due to concerns about traffic congestion and the hassle of shopping in crowded markets.
E-commerce websites and Facebook-based sellers offer convenient alternatives.
Customers can browse the websites and Facebook pages of their favorite clothing brands on their smartphones and have their selections delivered to their doorstep.
Merchants say the increased reliance on online shopping reflects a growing preference for convenience over the challenges of traditional brick-and-mortar shopping.
Reliance on online shopping has increased significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with movement restrictions and lockdowns causing more people to turn to e-commerce platforms. It became so.
As a result, the e-commerce sector experienced significant growth, but declined again after restrictions were lifted.
Fashion entrepreneurs and retailers say online shopping may drop in February 2022 compared to the previous year amid economic challenges caused by the recession caused by the war in Ukraine.
However, fashion houses expect online sales to increase this Eid season despite soaring product prices.
Figures cited by industry sources show that sales tend to remain stable during the festival.
Jahangir Alam Shovon, executive director of the Electronic Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), which represents brands and companies involved in online retail, said the organization has 2,500 members but about 3,000 in the country. said there are e-commerce websites.
He further said that there will be a significant surge in online shopping during Eid, with around 900,000 items expected to be delivered during this period.
Deliveries typically increase by 25% before Eid compared to other times of the year.
Shobon estimates that approximately 25% of Eid's total sales will be generated through e-commerce platforms, and another 18% through e-commerce primarily operated through Facebook pages.
Eid shopping goes online
All the prominent clothing brands in the country have launched their websites and increase their online presence especially during the festival season. Typically, online sales account for around 5% of total sales throughout the year, but for brands like Le Reve this figure doubles during Eid.
According to Monnujan Nargis, CEO of Le Reve, online sales during Eid are equivalent to the total sales of one showroom. Nargis was optimistic about the increase in sales this Eid, pointing out that orders from cities outside Dhaka have increased during this Eid period, with half of the online sales coming from outside the capital.
Foreigners also contribute to online orders, especially from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. To encourage purchases, Le Reve is offering free delivery on international orders over $150 during Eid.
Similarly, Aarong, a well-known fashion brand, caters to its customers through its showrooms, e-commerce platform, Facebook page, and showcases its new Eid collection on its website. You can buy a wide range of products from sarees to jewellery.
Asif Ahmed, an employee of a private company, prefers online shopping from Aaron due to time constraints. He finds it convenient and time-saving, especially with the added benefit of avoiding crowds.
SaRa Lifestyle is also preparing for Eid, showcasing a fresh collection featuring a variety of attire for men and women on its website and Facebook page.
K-Craft entrepreneur Khalid Mahmood Khan highlighted that the e-commerce market is expanding, with online orders during Eid rivaling sales in large showrooms.
In addition to clothing, Kay Kraft also offers shoes, jewelry, and other fashion items, with free shipping on international orders over $200.
Several other fashion brands like Anjans, Bishworang, Rang Bangladesh, Cats Eye, RichMan BD, YELLOW, Qrius, Ecstasy BD, Klubhaus, Gentle Park and e like Deal, Priyo Shop Retail, Bagdoom, Ekhoni, Ajker Deal etc. Commerce platforms Haat-Bazar, Upohar BD and Daraz are launching Eid collections on their websites and social media pages.
Additionally, customers can now purchase shoes directly from popular footwear brands' websites and e-commerce platforms, making online shopping even more convenient during the holiday season.
Nabib Chaudhry regularly buys shoes online, prioritizing reputable brands and e-commerce sites for authenticity. He's been buying shoes online for three years without any problems, but he's still cautious.
In contrast, consultancy professional Tanjila Shaila prefers brick-and-mortar shoe stores after having a bad experience with online shopping. She found it inconvenient to exchange shoes online, and she ended up keeping shoes that were uncomfortable.
The Apex footwear brand offers a 15-day exchange policy on shoes purchased online, allowing customers to exchange sizes or styles at any showroom, excluding discounted items.
Craftsman Fashion specializes in designer shoes for men and women and offers a hassle-free return or exchange process within 3 days of delivery if you have any size or quality concerns.
Ariful Islam, Head of Brand and Marketing, Craftsman Fashion, pointed out that online shopping for shoes is on the rise and highlighted a simplified return policy to suit customer preferences.
Regarding customer complaints, e-CAB ED Shovon advised buyers to first contact their respective websites. If unresolved, you can raise the matter with the State Directorate General for Consumer Rights Protection.
Eid sales boom on Facebook
Business opportunities for Facebook-based entrepreneurs have skyrocketed since the pandemic, with entrepreneurs showcasing their products on their Facebook pages and engaging directly with customers through Messenger.
Biskut Factory has used Facebook for years to sell handmade products ranging from shoes to jewelry to T-shirts. These products all feature unique designs created by Biskut, the designer and entrepreneur behind the brand who prefers to be referred to by his first name only.
He points out that online sales are stable throughout the year, but increase markedly during Eid, when the company offers packaged products that fit customers' budgets.
Similarly, Glued Together specializes in designer jewelry made from unique materials and initially started as a Facebook page, later expanding into a dedicated shop.
Entrepreneur Menaz Ahmed Adibah said Eidrash has already begun and orders are pouring in for handmade jewellery.
There are no discounts, but you can order 24 hours a day during Eid, and each purchase comes with a handmade Eid card.
For Nausheen Juma, a doctor turned jewelery enthusiast, her Facebook page provides a more creative and accessible platform to explore and purchase jewelery compared to traditional stores.
On the other hand, Rezwana Chowdhury prefers Facebook pages over e-commerce sites to buy products such as Eid salwar kameez, bags and make-up products, citing the variety available through social media platforms. The reason for this is the large quantity and ease of ordering.
Online shopping: preferences and concerns
Younger generations, especially the tech-savvy ones, are leaning toward online shopping.
However, preferences vary depending on the item.
IT professional Ori Ahad avoids buying traditional clothing and shoes online due to concerns about fabric and sizing accuracy. If he finds an accessory appealing, he's willing to buy it online.
Maida Nisha, who is employed in the private sector, chose to buy her Eid outfit online but faced delivery delays.
She acknowledged the pros and cons of both online and offline shopping. Although I find online girlfriend shopping convenient for personal clothes, I am cautious when purchasing gifts and baby clothes online due to concerns about accuracy.
Adnan Saqib, who also works in the private sector, prefers to shop online for T-shirts, pants, belts, and accessories based on seller ratings and reviews.
Although we have noticed that prices have gone up compared to last year, we appreciate the convenience and discounts available online.
However, Azizun Nahar, a teacher, had a negative experience buying traditional clothing online due to issues with fabric and sizing accuracy. Therefore, despite the crowds during Eid, she prefers to shop in person as she can choose with confidence.
[Writing in English by Arshi Fatiha Quazi; editing by Osham-ul-Sufian Talukder]
