Photo : Messenger
As winter tightens its grip on various regions of the country, residents of Hatia in Noakhali are flocking to makeshift winter clothing shops lining the sidewalks from dawn till dusk to purchase cozy garments.
Businesses are capitalizing on the seasonal demand by peddling a vibrant array of winter wear in key locations such as Hatia Upazila Majid Market, Upazila Muktijudda Complex, and various village markets, utilizing vans as mobile stores. Surprisingly, both lower and upper-class individuals are seen indulging in the purchase of these colorful winter essentials.
Traders Md. Abdul Halim and Md. Mostafa from Tamarddi market noted that in recent days, almost all shops in Tamarddi have been stocking up on winter clothes. Catering to customer needs, these shops offer a variety of winter garments, including jackets, mufflers, sweaters, hand socks, coats, and hats.
As the evening temperatures drop and mornings turn considerably colder, misty nights, dewy mornings, and a hint of frost in the air signify the onset of winter.
On a Sunday morning, the bustling life center of the upazila, Majid Market, and the adjacent Muktijudda Complex witnessed a flurry of activity as customers swarmed the sidewalks on both sides of the road. Street sellers reported brisk sales, a common trend during the winter season. With the recent intensification of the cold weather, customers are eagerly patronizing sidewalk shops to acquire their preferred winter attire.
Conversations with street vendors revealed that on the sidewalks, woolen sweaters are priced between Tk 150 and Tk 300, jackets range from Tk 250 to Tk 400, and full-sleeve t-shirts and children's clothing sets are available for Tk 50 to Tk 150.
Zahir Uddin from Sonadia Union expressed, "I have a 4-year-old daughter, and I went to buy warm clothes for her in anticipation of winter." Selina Begum emphasized, "Winter has arrived. Mornings and nights are becoming chilly, and children will need warm clothes. That's why I came to buy winter apparel."
Kamrujamman, a shopkeeper on the Ochkhali footpath, shared that business has been thriving for the past week, with a noticeable surge in the purchase of baby clothes. While acknowledging that this year's winter isn't as severe as the previous one, several businessmen admitted that the demand for winter clothing has risen in recent days, accompanied by a slight increase in prices.
Messenger/Shakib/Shahin
