It is remarkable that makeshift shops in different areas of Dhaka, including Gulistan, Bangabazar, New Market, and Mohammadpur, are gaining popularity among city dwellers, especially for winter fashion items. The popularity of makeshift shops has been increasing daily, especially at the beginning of winter every year.
During a recent evening visit to makeshift shops near Mohammadpur bus stand, all sections of people were present, choosing their necessary items as well as fashionable clothes.
Sellers have brought several types of warm clothes, including sweaters, jackets, coats, hoodies, socks, shoes, blazers, caps, mufflers, and blankets in multiple designs and colours.
The prices of these products range between Tk 100 and Tk 4,000, depending on the product and quality.
Saiful Islam, a private company employee who came to the shop, described the reason behind the increasing popularity of makeshift shops. According to him, the main reason for their attraction is location. Anyone can come to these shops without spending extra time as they are in their locality.
“Suppose I want to buy winter clothes at New Market from Mohammadpur. I will have to spend at least one hour to reach the market and more than one hour to come back home. This up-and-down journey will also cost at least Tk 500 if I go out with my wife,” he described.
“So, we can save two hours, which will have to be spent travelling for the New Market journey, and at least Tk 500 by skipping the trip. This time and this amount of money can be considered exceedingly small. But for the private company employees, the two-hour time after the office is precious, and Tk 500 is also essential.”
Another customer, Mithila Islam, said they prefer makeshift markets because they can get various clothes at affordable costs, and it does not require too much time.
“I do most of my shopping round the year from here. The prices are low, and many products are here, so anyone can choose the products they like. I came here to buy warm clothes. A seller asked for a jacket for Tk 2200, but I bought it for Tk 800,” said a student, Shafikul Islam, who resides in Mohammadpur and studies at a private university.
Babul Sarder, a government employee who came to buy winter clothes for his family, said, “The advantage of shopping here is that you can buy according to your budget through bargaining. Quality warm clothes can be bought at comparatively low prices.”
A makeshift shop owner, Ripon Hossain, said they wait for the winter sales season every year. They collect several types of clothes from wholesale markets in the country in October.
Regarding the customers’ expectations, he said every section of people is becoming fashionable daily. “You cannot undermine any class of people. I have experienced an elevated level of fashion sense in the family members of a fish seller, even in the family of a rickshaw puller,” Ripon explained.
“We bring clothes after ensuring a balance between the fashion and the price to satisfy every customer,” he added.
Regarding the sales, another salesperson, Hadis Uddin, said, “From the beginning of November, a large number of customers are coming to buy warm clothes from afternoon to evening. As a gents’ item, I can sell 40 to 50 jackets on average daily.”
Some traders also set up shops to sell electric kettles, heaters, and fluxes, considering the winter weather. Some shops also sell winter cosmetics like olive oil and cream. A crowd was also found during my visit to the market.