Photo: BSS

By Bipul Islam

LALMONIRHAT, Nov 21, 2025 (BSS)- With the arrival of winter, Lalmonirhat’s footpath markets have come alive with bustling crowds and brisk trade. 

From the district town to the upazilas, makeshift stalls and roadside shops are drawing buyers in increasing numbers each day.

Although winter wear remains relatively affordable, many shoppers note that prices are slightly higher than last year. Still, the lure of accessible clothing keeps the sidewalks busy.

In the Mogolhat Railgate area, the mobile market has become a hub for low-income families. Jackets, blankets, mufflers, and other essentials, sourced from Dhaka and Rangpur, are being sold at prices ranging from Tk 50 to 800.

“Clothes are available for Tk 40 to 700,” said Aklima Akhter Mariam of Mahendranagar, adding, “I buy from the footpath as the prices are comparatively low here.”

Barabari Bazar witnesses a similar story. Traders Anarul Islam and Ali Hossain recalled that last year, daily sales reached Tk 8,000 to 10,000.

Buyers like Abdul Majid remain loyal to these stalls, saying, “Good quality clothes at low prices are available here and that’s why we come here. We are satisfied.”

Seller Shamim explained: “The clothes brought from Dhaka are of good quality. That’s why buyers come again and again. Sales will rise further as the cold deepens.”

For many vendors, their income increases several times when winter comes. Many families live on the income of this season. Although they are engaged in various activities throughout the year, they set up shops on the sidewalk to earn extra income during the winter.

Locals view the roadside markets as a lifeline for lower- and middle-income groups. Affordable options make them attractive, though many believe stricter price control would benefit everyone.

Meanwhile, footpath markets appear to be drawing customers away from formal shopping malls. The presence of buyers in various shopping malls including Shahan Shopping Complex, Patwari Shopping Complex, Pauro Shopping Complex, Fashion Park, Choice Fashion, City Garments, Aarong Fabrics and Dulal Garments in the district town is seen to be low.

Employees at Narsingdi Bastralay and Kazi Fashion admitted that sales of new clothes have yet to pick up. 

“Lower and middle-class buyers are being drawn to the footpath market where prices are cheaper, and for this, the mall shops are facing losses,” they said.