I haven't been reading a whole lot, looked at pictures for the most part, and couldn't help but notice that there isn't a single international brand in any one of 'em. Is the law of the land unfavourable for international brands to make their foray, or have I missed something?

I haven't been reading a whole lot, looked at pictures for the most part, and couldn't help but notice that there isn't a single international brand in any one of 'em. Is the law of the land unfavourable for international brands to make their foray, or have I missed something?

No, they just haven't made it here so far. There are some western fast food chains in BD, and some hotel chains. The big department stores haven't found their way here yet.

I haven't been reading a whole lot, looked at pictures for the most part, and couldn't help but notice that there isn't a single international brand in any one of 'em. Is the law of the land unfavourable for international brands to make their foray, or have I missed something?

Actually there are quite a few but most are Mobile phone stores ex. (Nokia, Sony Ericsson.....)

I haven't been reading a whole lot, looked at pictures for the most part, and couldn't help but notice that there isn't a single international brand in any one of 'em. Is the law of the land unfavourable for international brands to make their foray, or have I missed something?

Actually there are quite a few but most are Mobile phone stores ex. (Nokia, Sony Ericsson.....) And as for the higher retails such as Versace.... those have choosen to ignore BD.

NIke, Reebock, Levis have their outlet in Dhaka also.. not sure if somebody has posted the pics or not.

I'm sure local Bangladeshi businesses are flourishing given the lack of competition. That's great for the local economy! I'm pretty sure international businesses will move into Bangladesh's shopping malls soon enough tho'.

I'm sure local Bangladeshi businesses are flourishing given the lack of competition. That's great for the local economy! I'm pretty sure international businesses will move into Bangladesh's shopping malls soon enough tho'.

Competition will always be good for the consumers also more foreign retailer will bring in a new flavor to our retail market.

hey pals

em from Pakistan... will be visiting Dhakka in a week..
can anyone guide me where to go if em interested to buy indian clothes, jewlleries in reasonable rates...

I have arready gone thru all picz of dhaka shopping places but tell me some best 3 to 4 places... ambiance n architect of the malls isnt necessary, i can manage going anywhere. want to but so manyyyyyyy things (esp feminine stuff) so guide me plz :)
Reply me asap

takecare

hey pals

em from Pakistan... will be visiting Dhakka in a week..
can anyone guide me where to go if em interested to buy indian clothes, jewlleries in reasonable rates...

I have arready gone thru all picz of dhaka shopping places but tell me some best 3 to 4 places... ambiance n architect of the malls isnt necessary, i can manage going anywhere. want to but so manyyyyyyy things (esp feminine stuff) so guide me plz :)
Reply me asap

takecare
there is this market in islampur, which ladies garments indian at a wholesale rate

hey pals

em from Pakistan... will be visiting Dhakka in a week..
can anyone guide me where to go if em interested to buy indian clothes, jewlleries in reasonable rates...

I have arready gone thru all picz of dhaka shopping places but tell me some best 3 to 4 places... ambiance n architect of the malls isnt necessary, i can manage going anywhere. want to but so manyyyyyyy things (esp feminine stuff) so guide me plz :)
Reply me asap

takecare

There are shopping malls ALL around Dhaka. Look through this thread more, there are tons of large shopping mall that you can get more familiar to. Furthermore, Bashundhara city should basically have all kinds of things.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/bashundharastraightup.jpg
At last but not least, you can also ask the local people for specific things, I am sure they will help you out. :cheers:

while it would be interesting if international chains come to bangladesh, the prospect of local retailers thriving is more important at this point in time. i believe they have to sort of break this age-old mindset of setting up store in only one possible manner...i.e. walled up and all. rather they could collaborate to form a more open floor concept, thereby occupying and renting floor space in appropriate departments. not only will this bring about a bit of dynamism into this sector, but it would give smaller retailers the opportunity to showcase their products in a larger setting. more importantly, as far as apparel designers are concerned, they would have greater scope for displaying their creations in such settings.

a good example of this would be the selfridges store in london, but of course one can name numerous equivalent stores.

so yea, at the end of the day, national and local talents, retailers and industries should be showcased alongside international brands...

I strongly feel some local retailers have thrived very well in recent years. One should take the examples of Westecs and Yellow. However, with regards to foreign apparel retailers setting foot in Bangladesh (apart from the few we have such as United Colors of Benetton, Levi's and Dockers which honestly have negligible presence), we're still in a stage where we're waiting for the market to develop. This will take a while.

One possible option will be for our local garments manufacturers that produce 100% export-oriented readymade garments to produce an additional amount, specifically for the local market. However, we shall need support from the Government if that is to happen. It is such a shame that we produce such good quality apparel, yet all of it is exported and nothing is left for the local market.

Eastern Plaza

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/easternplaza10.jpg

Rajuk Trade Center

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/rajuktradecenter6.jpg

Bangladesh-UAE Market

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/bangladesh-uaemarket14.jpg

I've had the dubious fortune of getting a haircut and head-massage (matha banano) at man's planet in the above pic while the ladies were haggling at Dressy Dale downstairs. Both are big ripoffs IMHO :) ^ Second and Third floors in the Moitry center above. Still looking a little messy. Thanks for posting the image TMAC :)

One possible option will be for our local garments manufacturers that produce 100% export-oriented readymade garments to produce an additional amount, specifically for the local market. However, we shall need support from the Government if that is to happen. It is such a shame that we produce such good quality apparel, yet all of it is exported and nothing is left for the local market.

BEPZA and FBCCI had a rule wherein they allowed a small amount of garments and shoes for local consumption after paying local duties. You had to prove that the buyer skipped the LC and then they allowed it. At least this is how it was fifteen years ago. You have to check with them to see if it's changed now.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/nayeem007/DSC00630.jpg

Middle class moving to superstores
Durdana Ghias



Pushing the handcart and picking things at superstores are now a part of life for many city dwellers.
Traditional kitchen markets in the city have started losing a big chunk of their middle class customers to the growing number of superstores.

There was a time when shopping monthly kitchen items was a routine for most middle class families. But the picture is changing with the change of time. Many families now prefer shiny superstores to kitchen markets because of nice environment, fixed price, good weighing system, reliable items and other facilities.

"I rarely go to the kitchen market these days because I can buy almost everything from the superstores. I don't have to walk in the mud nor do I have to bargain with the salesmen and I am getting the accurate weight. It is true that I am paying a bit more than what I used to pay at the kitchen market. But that is ok with me since I am getting a good service here," said a resident of Dhanmondi.

Many people feel at ease at department stores because they can buy varieties of items including essentials from one place.

"I like shopping at superstores because I can move my handcart comfortably and pick things myself -- from groceries to stationeries," said a housewife at Mohammadpur.

But majority of city dwellers still depend on kitchen markets. Because, many of them are renowned for their stock of fresh fish and vegetables.

"I buy vegetables from Karwan Bazar. There are no superstores in my area so I do not go there on a routine basis. Seldom I go to the superstores," said Nasima Khanam, a resident of Basabo.

Many women and girls who have to go for the monthly shopping prefer superstores because of their safe and hassle-free environment.

"It is uncomfortable to buy meat, fish and vegetables from the kitchen market in the midst of men and mud. But at these superstores girls and housewives can go there alone and even at night," said Saushan, a resident of Gulshan.

“Besides, all the items have price tags and you do not have to bargain,” she said.

"Had there been no such place I would not have gone to traditional markets ever for buying meat, fish etc," she added.

Many like the superstores because it is hygienic and almost all kinds of food are well-preserved.

"There are all kinds of food and fruits available. Even at some stores I can buy sari, cosmetics, clothes and crockery. Sometimes you get rare fruits here which are not available in kitchen markets. Once I bought a raincoat from a superstore. It was far better than any in ordinary markets,” said a young man while shopping at a superstore at Dhanmondi.

“Here I can compare and choose items of famous brands. In other markets I may end up buying fake and date expired items but this is most unlikely in the superstores. But for fresh fish and vegetables I think the traditional kitchen markets are the best places. I have some bad experiences in buying these items from the superstores,” said a service holder while buying vegetables at Karwan Bazar.

There are a good number of superstore chains in the city now but the main problem the customers face is the lack of parking spaces.

"Nowadays several superstores have mushroomed in the neighbourhood but many of them do not have any space for parking cars," said a customer at Shantinagar.

Faizul Haque, operation executive, Rahimafrooz Superstore Ltd, popularly known as Agora, the first superstore in the city, said from the very beginning they received a positive response from their customers.

“We started with a single outlet in Dhanmondi in August 2001 and since then we have been receiving a tremendous response from the people. Every day thousands of people visit our three outlets in the city,” said Faizul.

“The idea came in order to help develop the society. Today there are many people who do not have time to go to kitchen markets. They can now go shopping at night. Besides, it is a hassle for the housewives to dodge round kitchen market. Here they can walk and buy safely and comfortably,” he said.

About vegetables he said they collect them from their own sources in the villages.

"If things go alright then one day we hope most of the people will avoid kitchen markets. This is one step towards the westernisation of the urban," he said.

The other notable superstores in the city include PQS, Family Needs, Family World, Almas, Nandan, Pacific etc.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=46953

It seems the world has come full circle on this. While the under developed countries strive towards mass production and mass marketing, the developed ones now preach "eat locally" (and eat seasonally) and promote farmer's markets, (local) produce cooperatives.

Perhaps it is not wise to shun over for the other.

Hi all,

I have updated the list of shopping malls of Dhaka in wikipedia. Please visit and upadate if there any error.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_shopping_malls_in_Bangladesh

Thank you

^^ Hi maqayam, thanks for the info, please feel free to stick and around...we are always happy to grow the community.

Hi all,

I have updated the list of shopping malls of Dhaka in wikipedia. Please visit and upadate if there any error.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_shopping_malls_in_Bangladesh

Thank you

Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Hi all,

I guess that it would be a nice idea to create profile on each shopping mall in wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_shopping_malls_in_Bangladesh). For example it may include:

1. Location, detailed address.
2. Images.
3. Special Goods and products available.
4. Off days.
5. Facilities: like gymnasium, children park, food court, cineplex, supermarket etc.
6. No. of shops, floors, which floor belongs to which products.
7. Much more

Benefits:
1. It will enrich our National database in wikipedia and make Bangladesh proud. Like Jamuna Future Park and Bashundhara City have already made impact on world.
2. It will help shoppers.
3. It will help entrepreneurs to invest in this sector.
4. And much more

At last, creating article in wikipedia is easy and funny. Just click on the shopping mall [red ones] and write your information. I also request to the photographers who have taken these nice pictures to give privilage for uploading these pics to wikipedia.

Thank you

^^ My only experience with editing wikipedia was trying to upload a picture of Ruplal House...they did not accept it...don't know why...fear of copyright violation perhaps...but the picture was taken in 1911 or earlier...I could be wrong but I think pics that old in BD are considered pubic domain?

I think that copyright of pics is not that hard and fast in Bangladesh. Unless, anyone explicitly claims that you need permission to publish his work, you can upload it. But you have to fill up the licesencing part as mentioned in wikipeida "The work of someone else, who has given permission to use it on Wikipedia or it is a work released under a free license" I guess it would be nice to write an email to that person or website that you are publishing his work in wikipedia for greater purpose, if he disagreed you can withdraw. However, I publish by filling up this form in wikipedia"{{Information
|Description = name of the pic
|Source = www.something.com
|Date = current date
|Author = if availble
|Permission = It is published without a copyright claim/ GNU
|other_versions = Not available
}}"

Finally, anyparty disagrees wikipedia has privilage to remove it.

^^ My only experience with editing wikipedia was trying to upload a picture of Ruplal House...they did not accept it...don't know why...fear of copyright violation perhaps...but the picture was taken in 1911 or earlier...I could be wrong but I think pics that old in BD are considered pubic domain?

I think that copyright of pics is not that hard and fast in Bangladesh. Unless, anyone explicitly claims that you need permission to publish his work, you can upload it. But you have to fill up the licesencing part as mentioned in wikipeida "The work of someone else, who has given permission to use it on Wikipedia or it is a work released under a free license" I guess it would be nice to write an email to that person or website that you are publishing his work in wikipedia for greater purpose, if he disagreed you can withdraw. However, I publish by filling up this form in wikipedia"{{Information
|Description = name of the pic
|Source = www.something.com
|Date = current date
|Author = if availble
|Permission = It is published without a copyright claim/ GNU
|other_versions = Not available
}}"

Finally, anyparty disagrees wikipedia has privilage to remove it.

I posted some picture of Jamuna Future park but they were all removed, Now I will try your method. :cheers:

Sorry, for inconvenience. This method did not worked.

But there should be another way. We can request the photographer of the pics to upload some of their pics with a name under GNU licence (which means something like..I am the owner of the work ....). Once we got the GNU licesence, the pic can be permanantly published in wikipedia.

I request to all the owner of the pictures (who photographed it) to upload their pictures and let us know the name (like "prince_plaza.jpg") so that we can make good articles on the shopping malls in Bangladesh.

I posted some picture of Jamuna Future park but they were all removed, Now I will try your method. :cheers:

what is the biggest mall in DHAKA?

There are shopping malls ALL around Dhaka. Look through this thread more, there are tons of large shopping mall that you can get more familiar to. Furthermore, Bashundhara city should basically have all kinds of things.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/bashundharastraightup.jpg
At last but not least, you can also ask the local people for specific things, I am sure they will help you out. :cheers:

Per tips from Bhabi...

For ladies high class stuff -- go to the local boutiques (rina latif for example). Most of my wallet gets spent there :tongue3:

RINA LATIF
Phone: 9896120.
rinalatif@hotmail.com
Road # 24. House # 33.
Gulshan-1,Dhaka-1212

For general stuff -- Gaosia Market is fine.

Indian Ladies Stuff in Dhaka in some cases is even cheaper than India. For Pakistanis it saves the hassle of going to Kolkata.

Here is a list of Ladies Dress Boutiques but the handicraft and handmade cotton local Bangladeshi stuff is mixed in there (may not be of liking to Pakistani tastes):

http://www.bracnet.net/default.aspx?xid=1492&si=default&sk=1&m=web

Like mentioned earlier -- ask the local fashionable women -- they'll know.

Per tips from Bhabi...

For ladies high class stuff -- go to the local boutiques (rina latif for example). Most of my wallet gets spent there :tongue3:

RINA LATIF
Phone: 9896120.
rinalatif@hotmail.com
Road # 24. House # 33.
Gulshan-1,Dhaka-1212

For general stuff -- Gaosia Market is fine.

Indian Ladies Stuff in Dhaka in some cases is even cheaper than India. For Pakistanis it saves the hassle of going to Kolkata.

Here is a list of Ladies Dress Boutiques but the handicraft and handmade cotton local Bangladeshi stuff is mixed in there (may not be of liking to Pakistani tastes):

http://www.bracnet.net/default.aspx?xid=1492&si=default&sk=1&m=web

Like mentioned earlier -- ask the local fashionable women -- they'll know.
are you saying its cheaper to shop in dhaka, then in delhi/bombay or lahore? when it comes to desi ladies stuff that is


cuz thats where my fam goes to shop for desi stuff and apparently according to them its way cheaper to shop from there

are you saying its cheaper to shop in dhaka, then in delhi/bombay or lahore? when it comes to desi ladies stuff that is


cuz thats where my fam goes to shop for desi stuff and apparently according to them its way cheaper to shop from there

In Dhaka -- prices are generally a little higher with some notable exceptions -- though selection is just as great. Indian wholesellers know the size and scope of the market here and do sell wholesale to the saree shops here. The Indian 'big-name' boutiques do not have franchises except a few in Gulshan.

In Delhi according to my 'shalees' it's cheaper to buy large ticket wedding saree/lehenga items (trust factor is higher in some 'sardarji' shops) when prices exceed the 100,000 Taka level.

In Dhaka -- the saree/lehenga buyers are more 'open-fisted' with their money (ill gotten wealth?) and may also less knowledgeable about actual India market pricing. The education and knowledge-factor is somewhat lacking on the part of the buyers compared to Indian buyers -- if you talk about the majority of 'new rich'.

If you are talking upper class educated women -- they don't really buy at Gaosia Market. They'd rather patronize the boutiques and owners whom they know personally.

Well there -- tells you how much I know about this stuff :)

In Dhaka -- prices are a little higher -- though selection is just as great.

In Delhi according to my 'shalees' it's easier to buy wedding items (trust factor is higher in some 'sardarji' shops).

In Dhaka -- the saree/lehenga buyers are more 'open-fisted' with their money (ill gotten wealth?) and may also less knowledgeable about actual India market pricing. The education and knowledge-factor is somewhat lacking on the part of the buyers compared to Indian buyers -- if you talk about the majority of 'new rich'.

If you are talking upper class educated women -- they don't really buy at Gaosia Market. They'd rather patronize the boutiques and owners whom they know personally.
i know what you mean the new rich if they could wear all their clothes the price tag on,

and the pricing is no where near, all the faltu stuff from there turns out to be the expensive ones here because the folks here mostly dont know what they are buying its all about showing off the price tag not the shundorjo

are you saying its cheaper to shop in dhaka, then in delhi/bombay or lahore? when it comes to desi ladies stuff that is


cuz thats where my fam goes to shop for desi stuff and apparently according to them its way cheaper to shop from there

I second dopey on that one. Inda and Pakistan are both significantly cheaper. If you talk about Indian sarees, they're available at 1/3rd the price outside of Bangladesh. Moreover, fabric for kameezes are far better and far cheaper in Pakistan. In fact, the good stuff doesn't even come here.

I second dopey on that one. Inda and Pakistan are both significantly cheaper. If you talk about Indian sarees, they're available at 1/3rd the price outside of Bangladesh. Moreover, fabric for kameezes are far better and far cheaper in Pakistan. In fact, the good stuff doesn't even come here.
tipical bd business man mentality sell the worst product at the price of the best

tipical bd business man mentality sell the worst product at the price of the best

Why not? That is being in business is all about, after all.

According to my wife, the best shalwar kameez (in design and material) are from Pakistan. As for sarees, it appears that the saree experts (like my sisters, mother-in-law) are very picky, they prefer certain kinds from India, and certain other kind from Bangladesh. As for pricing, the mark up is substantial in the US. My buddy from Mumbai sends stuff that are 1/3 ~ 1/2 in price.

Why not? That is being in business is all about, after all.

According to my wife, the best shalwar kameez (in design and material) are from Pakistan. As for sarees, it appears that the saree experts (like my sisters, mother-in-law) are very picky, they prefer certain kinds from India, and certain other kind from Bangladesh. As for pricing, the mark up is substantial in the US. My buddy from Mumbai sends stuff that are 1/3 ~ 1/2 in price.
are you saying only bd people do business and none else does business? i am pretty sure business men out side bd do far better business

for example a tipical cheap meal here is $5+taxes if you go to any gora/chinku places they give you value for money where as if you go to any bengali place for the same amount you get way less.

no wonder people in bd who can afford it go outside for shopping.

Why not? That is being in business is all about, after all.

According to my wife, the best shalwar kameez (in design and material) are from Pakistan. As for sarees, it appears that the saree experts (like my sisters, mother-in-law) are very picky, they prefer certain kinds from India, and certain other kind from Bangladesh. As for pricing, the mark up is substantial in the US. My buddy from Mumbai sends stuff that are 1/3 ~ 1/2 in price.
are you saying only bd people do business and none else does business? i am pretty sure business men out side bd do far better business

for example a typical cheap meal here is $5+taxes if you go to any gora/chinku places they give you value for money where as if you go to any bengali place for the same amount you get way less.

no wonder people in bd who can afford it go outside for shopping.

are you saying only bd people do business and none else does business? i am pretty sure business men out side bd do far better business

for example a typical cheap meal here is $5+taxes if you go to any gora/chinku places they give you value for money where as if you go to any bengali place for the same amount you get way less.

no wonder people in bd who can afford it go outside for shopping.

Dope, I suspect you have a rather dim of view of a Bangalee/Bangladeshi. If I'm not mistaken, you are a business major. As you progress through your studies, you will realize that there is indeed something called "market forces" which is in play in every part of the globe. And as such, a business entity or a sector can get away with what you may feel, a "rip off" price, as long as the market will carry it. If there aren't enough takers, prices will adjust accordingly. Take oil for example, the price of crude fetched over $130, as long as there was a demand for it, but look at it now. Another example of extreme, the average price for a cup of coffee is USD 4.00 in Iceland. Would you consider it a rip off and fly off to Ireland for a better price?

Dope, I suspect you have a rather dim of view of a Bangalee/Bangladeshi. If I'm not mistaken, you are a business major. As you progress through your studies, you will realize that there is indeed something called "market forces" which is in play in every part of the globe. And as such, a business entity or a sector can get away with what you may feel, a "rip off" price, as long as the market will carry it. If there aren't enough takers, prices will adjust accordingly. Take oil for example, the price of crude fetched over $130, as long as there was a demand for it, but look at it now. Another example of extreme, the average price for a cup of coffee is USD 4.00 in Iceland. Would you consider it a rip off and fly off to Ireland for a better price?
shouldnt i have such view? dont markets outside of bd have similar forces? whats happing is that they are loosing customers in the long run, anyone who can afford it is looking at an alternative. I dont get ripped off because i hardly buy stuff from there, i used to get the malaysian dvds for 80 taka with the fat boxes while most people used to buy the local ones with 100 taka that came in thin boxes.

and surely the income level in the us and ireland is not the same, most people who buy from these shoppers either dont know of the alternative, their main objective is show off, they dont care for quality or shundorjo or just dont have any alternatives.

Hi, i am new in this Forum. I come from Germany und work for a big firm, who makes business with producer in Bangladesh. Last time, where i spend my time in Bangladesh, i can't find a international shop for clothes. Can someone give me a good advoice to find the best shopping mall in Dhaka. I want to buy some international brand clothes(like Lacoste,...) I am looking forward to fly over next week. Bangladesh is a really nice country with many friendly people.

I wait for some answers ;)))

BR,

Michael

Hi, i am new in this Forum. I come from Germany und work for a big firm, who makes business with producer in Bangladesh. Last time, where i spend my time in Bangladesh, i can't find a international shop for clothes. Can someone give me a good advoice to find the best shopping mall in Dhaka. I want to buy some international brand clothes(like Lacoste,...) I am looking forward to fly over next week. Bangladesh is a really nice country with many friendly people.

I wait for some answers ;)))

BR,

Michael

Good to know that you like Bangladesh. The first International Brand centric mall "Jamuna Future Park" is opening next year. I think that for now your best bet would be Gulshan-1 market. There are no exclusive retailiers there, but stores like "Mode" or "Cologne" carries a wide variety of Brands starting from Lacoste, D&G to Hugo Boss.

Also, if you are like most tourists, Bongobazar might be a good place to find cheap fake brand clothes :)

Good to know that you like Bangladesh. The first International Brand centric mall "Jamuna Future Park" is opening next year. I think that for now your best bet would be Gulshan-1 market. There are no exclusive retailiers there, but stores like "Mode" or "Cologne" carries a wide variety of Brands starting from Lacoste, D&G to Hugo Boss.

Also, if you are like most tourists, Bongobazar might be a good place to find cheap fake brand clothes :)

Thank you for your answer ! I think the best way is to go to Gulshan-1 Market and after to the Bashundhara City. :banana: Do you hv some idea whats really impressed points for tourist, what everyone must see, who visit Bangla ;) ?

BR,

Michael

Thank you for your answer ! I think the best way is to go to Gulshan-1 Market and after to the Bashundhara City. :banana: Do you hv some idea whats really impressed points for tourist, what everyone must see, who visit Bangla ;) ?

BR,

Michael


hey Michael,

About visiting Bangladesh, its better to visit during the winter cuz the weather is fantastic and not much problems r there.
for shopping, yeah first u visit around the Gulshan area where there are sevral malls including "Pink City" mall and then u can go to Bashundhara City and enjoy!
U should keep in mind some safety tips because u knw, there r few crimes going around in the country......
I would recommend u to visit Chittagong (the port city), Cox's Bazar where the world's longest sandy beach is, St. Martin's Island, Sylhet city, and the Sundarbans.
thanks and hope u enjoy ur stay in BD :)

hey Michael,

About visiting Bangladesh, its better to visit during the winter cuz the weather is fantastic and not much problems r there.
for shopping, yeah first u visit around the Gulshan area where there are sevral malls including "Pink City" mall and then u can go to Bashundhara City and enjoy!
U should keep in mind some safety tips because u knw, there r few crimes going around in the country......
I would recommend u to visit Chittagong (the port city), Cox's Bazar where the world's longest sandy beach is, St. Martin's Island, Sylhet city, and the Sundarbans.
thanks and hope u enjoy ur stay in BD :)

Perfect ... now i have enough points - just for shopping in Dhaka ... The problem is that i going to Bangla in the end of May and in october. I can't choice the moment of travel, because i am responsible for the productmanagement of my firm and i am check only the quality of the products. Otherwise i think that someone of the producer firm show me the city, so i'm not worried about the safety ;)))

BR

Perfect ... now i have enough points - just for shopping in Dhaka ... The problem is that i going to Bangla in the end of May and in october. I can't choice the moment of travel, because i am responsible for the productmanagement of my firm and i am check only the quality of the products. Otherwise i think that someone of the producer firm show me the city, so i'm not worried about the safety ;)))

BR

Get a travel guide. A well known one is from the lonely planet Bangladesh, I think. Check it out. And have a wonderful trip.

Thank you for your answer ! I think the best way is to go to Gulshan-1 Market and after to the Bashundhara City. :banana: Do you hv some idea whats really impressed points for tourist, what everyone must see, who visit Bangla ;) ?

BR,

Michael

There are quite a few places to do, but make sure you have some local friends or a good tour guide. But as recommended by others winter is really the right time to visit,summer weather will be crazy hot and humid with electricity problems.

Dhaka

- Ahsan Manzil and Lal kella in old part of the city (really crowded place, but if you are interested in architecture might be worth it).

- National parliament complex( one of the finest work of Louis Kahn)

- National Museum, they have a pretty decent collection of items even though the display needs be improved upon a lot.

-Shopping at Bashundhara city, Rifles Square, Gulshan-1 market, Pink Palace and numerous other malls that have sprung up over the years. For traditional items Aarong is the best option,they have a store in Gulshan.

- Restaurants: kemal Ataturk and Gulshan avenue have a wide variety of restaurants starting from Chinese/Thai, Indian, Greek,Mexican to Turkish. (http://www.bizbangladesh.com/imp_fastfood_restaurant_bangladesh.php). Khazana is an upscale restaurant where you can find authentic Bangladeshi dishes..

- Hotel, my recommendation will be Westin or Radission. They are located close to the airport aswell.

Outside Dhaka

- Sylhet for the sprawling tea gardens. A new 5 start hotel called Rose Garden just opened in the city, they have some tour packages available aswell.

-Cox's Bazar with the longest sandy beach in the world. The chittagong area also has numerous Buddhist monastries that might be interesting. Hotel Seagull is recommended for Cox's bazar and Peninsula for Chittagong city. Many tourists also visit the shipbreaking area..

- Sundarbans. The largest mangrove forrest in the world, and home of the Bengal tigers. You can find pretty good package trips there. The boat trips are awesome..

- There are other attractions like the Mohastangor ruins in north Bengal and the 500 year old 60 domed mosque in the south, if you have more than a week.

Finally, you may want to look at the following thread started by a Malaysian member for his trip to Bangladesh. Might give some perspective from a foreigner.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=568229

On a different note, I just got back from a trip to Switzerland, the closest I got to Germany was Schaffhausen. It was an amazing experience, Europeans know how to live their life!

There are quite a few places to do, but make sure you have some local friends or a good tour guide. But as recommended by others winter is really the right time to visit,summer weather will be crazy hot and humid with electricity problems.

Dhaka

- Ahsan Manzil and Lal kella in old part of the city (really crowded place, but if you are interested in architecture might be worth it).

- National parliament complex( one of the finest work of Louis Kahn)

- National Museum, they have a pretty decent collection of items even though the display needs be improved upon a lot.

-Shopping at Bashundhara city, Rifles Square, Gulshan-1 market, Pink Palace and numerous other malls that have sprung up over the years. For traditional items Aarong is the best option,they have a store in Gulshan.

- Restaurants: kemal Ataturk and Gulshan avenue have a wide variety of restaurants starting from Chinese/Thai, Indian, Greek,Mexican to Turkish. (http://www.bizbangladesh.com/imp_fastfood_restaurant_bangladesh.php). Khazana is an upscale restaurant where you can find authentic Bangladeshi dishes..

- Hotel, my recommendation will be Westin or Radission. They are located close to the airport aswell.

Outside Dhaka

- Sylhet for the sprawling tea gardens. A new 5 start hotel called Rose Garden just opened in the city, they have some tour packages available aswell.

-Cox's Bazar with the longest sandy beach in the world. The chittagong area also has numerous Buddhist monastries that might be interesting. Hotel Seagull is recommended for Cox's bazar and Peninsula for Chittagong city. Many tourists also visit the shipbreaking area..

- Sundarbans. The largest mangrove forrest in the world, and home of the Bengal tigers. You can find pretty good package trips there. The boat trips are awesome..

- There are other attractions like the Mohastangor ruins in north Bengal and the 500 year old 60 domed mosque in the south, if you have more than a week.

Finally, you may want to look at the following thread started by a Malaysian member for his trip to Bangladesh. Might give some perspective from a foreigner.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=568229

On a different note, I just got back from a trip to Switzerland, the closest I got to Germany was Schaffhausen. It was an amazing experience, Europeans know how to live their life!

I would like to add one thing u forgot to mention.......
Transportation matters:

-within Dhaka, best to hire a car from HERTZ.......or travel around by a YELLOW TAXI.

-Outside Dhaka if u go 2 places like Chittagong and Sylhet, Train service is the best as its safe and comfortable......they have AC compartments, first class coaches etc.

-otherwise there are luxurious buses aswell which u can enjoy but train is better.

I would like to add one thing u forgot to mention.......
Transportation matters:

-within Dhaka, best to hire a car from HERTZ.......or travel around by a YELLOW TAXI.

-Outside Dhaka if u go 2 places like Chittagong and Sylhet, Train service is the best as its safe and comfortable......they have AC compartments, first class coaches etc.

-otherwise there are luxurious buses aswell which u can enjoy but train is better.

Thank you for the answer. But i don't have problems with transportation because the general of the firm have a personal driver, who brings me to the points of interest ;) Thanks a lot for the good answers @ all user. I link bangla and i hope that we make a lot of business in future with bangladesh producer. Its very good .. the helpfull people in that land.

:)

Thank you for the answer. But i don't have problems with transportation because the general of the firm have a personal driver, who brings me to the points of interest ;) Thanks a lot for the good answers @ all user. I link bangla and i hope that we make a lot of business in future with bangladesh producer. Its very good .. the helpfull people in that land.

:)

thank u very much for those kind words on bangladesh....

If u dont mind, may I ask which firm are u working for?? :P

thank u very much for those kind words on bangladesh....

If u dont mind, may I ask which firm are u working for?? :P

Sorry .. but no names ... Its not important :) But it isn't in the clothes industry ;)))) This industry is very big in Bangladesch ... Customers like EDC / Esprit ... :)

City malls in doldrums
Businessmen point to slack sales; much of retail space at shopping centres unused

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2009/08/04/2009-08-04__b04.jpg

Mushrooming malls in Dhaka fail to attract a sizeable turnout of real shoppers, resulting in a glum turnover in business. Photo: Shafiqul Alam
Sohel ParvezMushrooming shopping malls in Dhaka cast a pall of gloom on those who have already put investment at stake by buying or renting showrooms. The dream of high returns is far off.

Reality points to slack sales at many shopping centres around the capital.

Stakeholders said the majority of the shops suffer from low rates of return. Many more are awash in red ink.

Several established shopping malls in the city are experiencing dropping sales while newcomers are not able to attract customers.

The number of real shoppers is low compared to a growing number of shopping malls. Mall visitors are now dispersed across a wide range of options.

The surge in retail outlet space in the more than 100 multistorey shopping complexes in Dhaka is good news for shoppers, as their choices span out, but it is bad news for showroom space owners and renters.

“I'm in dire straits now as I am yet to rent out my showroom,” said Kohinoor Chowdhry, who bought a 100-square feet shop at the "mall of South Asia -- Bashundhara City", which opened nearly five years ago. "When I first purchased the outlet, I planned to sell at a higher price. But that remains a dream."

Like many other retail space owners, Kohinoor blames the location of her showroom for failure to attract potential shop operators. However, the turnout of visitors at the mall, with an eight-storey glass-domed atrium, is impressive.

Shoppers prefer not to maze into the various lanes at the mall. They enter the shops within clear view and complete their shopping needs.

“The majority of the visitors are not necessarily shoppers. But shop owners are optimistic nonetheless," said Khalilur Rahman, owner of a shop at Bashundhara City.

“The situation is improving. I believe the mall will have a good number of shoppers in the days to come,” said Kartick Karmakar, owner of Satarupa Jewellers.

But MBH Shamim, owner of a shop at Dr. Refatulla Happy Arcade on Mirpur Road, is not that hopeful. He paid Tk 29 lakh for possession, but it is difficult for him to find an occupant, who was willing to pay his expected rent.

He not only had to return almost all the security money he received from the tenant, but also had to slash monthly rent by more than half.

“When I first bought the showroom, I expected great demand as there were no modern shopping centres near New Market. But that was not the case," Shamim said. "I do not know when I will be able to recover my investment. The other shopping centres on Mirpur Road are more or less in the same position."

Kohinoor and Shamim represent hundreds of shop owners in more than 100 shopping complexes around Dhaka. Inspired by the success of some pioneering modern shopping complexes, like Eastern Plaza, the trend to invest in this sector gained pace in early 2000, to the merit of real estate developers.

Promises of hefty returns were rosy. Both experienced and novice retailers had gushed in with their savings to buy a piece of the hot pie, either to run on their own or rent out.

Shoppers are overwhelmed by the rising number of shopping centres and choose to shop near their residents.

Sales are dull in most centres and poor management and unavailability of facilities, like proper restrooms, parking, and working lifts, are somewhat to blame, said shop operators.

“The growing number of shoppers is not keeping pace with the growing number of shopping centres. This is the main reason behind low turnout of shoppers,” said Md Selim, president of Eastern Plaza Shop Owners Cooperative Society.

The blow is the most painful to small investors who bet all their fortunes on a single shopping complex. But the situation is relatively better for shop owners and operators, who run shops at more than one shopping complex.

Mohammad Farhaduzzaman, marketing manger of Eastern Housing Ltd, said many shopping complexes have not been developed in a planned manner. This has a discouraging effect on potential shoppers entering the markets.

Md Helal Uddin, president of Dhaka Mahanagar Dokan Malik Samity, said the growth of shopping complexes was unorganised. "It has caused serious havoc. Now crores of money is stuck in these markets."

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=99984

^^ I don't understand the private entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, why do they keep on investing in shops and stores without doing any kind of ROE analysis. Even as a highschool student 10 years back, I knew that we are getting too many new malls within a very short period of time. It seemed like a huge risk and I was waiting for the bubble to get burst..

There are so many different areas to invest starting from backward linkage industries for garments, light engineering facilities to even Agro processing plants.

The "market behavior" in Bangladesh defies the law of macroeconomics.. increase in supply irrespective of demand!

^^ I think there is a 'herd effect' among Bangladeshis, hence the saying 'hujuke Bangalee.' There was such a rush for investment in the cement, pharmaceutical, mall, apartment sectors. I think that there are people with money in Bangladesh, but they do not have any scope of investment. So, when they see some sector doing well, they all jump into it to make some moolah.

^^ I think there is a 'herd effect' among Bangladeshis, hence the saying 'hujuke Bangalee.' There was such a rush for investment in the cement, pharmaceutical, mall, apartment sectors. I think that there are people with money in Bangladesh, but they do not have any scope of investment. So, when they see some sector doing well, they all jump into it to make some moolah.

^^ While this may be true -- a lot of money is not being spent simply because of economic uncertainty. Once confidence in the world economy comes back, spending will go back to previous levels.

Plus -- a lot of this 'Panpenani' is attributed to shop-owners already sitting in lacklustre malls like Eastern plaza. They are trying to discourage the spread of new malls and flashier stores.

There could be some truth in the fact that restroom and parking facilities are neither adequate nor organized...

^^ But Bangladesh has been largely unaffected by the world crisis hasnt it apart from slightly lower exports and slightly less remittances.

I honestly do think there are more malls then required. Ppl go there just to "hang" or to chk out "girls". Being "flashy" wont make a mall a success. The products being sold matters. I always go to the Stadium Market to buy electronics or the place in front of Dhaka College to buy clothes. So do probably a lot of ppl. Hence newer fancier malls dont succeed.

Also I think some people buy store position as a way of making sure that they have some asset, even though they might not get the return on that investment in their lifetime.

To them it's better to bet their investment in a store than spending the money on industries where they can end up loosing the whole amount. This becomes even more common when the money they have in the first place is due to underhand dealings..

I also think that there should be less 'small shop' kind of stores and more bigger stores, like Macy's or JCPenney. Bigger shops can have low profit margins for some stuff, but high profit margins for others, and so, they eventually can make more money through economies of scale.

I am waiting for someone to buy a whole building and convert it into one big store.

^^ It has already started happening on the grocery shopping side... superstores like Agora are replacing the small shops in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Will a Home Depot/Lowes/Menards type big box hardware store work in Dhaka? It would be a one stop shop for all your building construction and home furnishing needs.

Right now you have to go to 10 different little shops to get any hardware and then haggle to death because the prices are inconsistent.

Will a Home Depot/Lowes/Menards type big box hardware store work in Dhaka? It would be a one stop shop for all your building construction and home furnishing needs.

Right now you have to go to 10 different little shops to get any hardware and then haggle to death because the prices are inconsistent.

I think it will work---i have already seen some other expats thinking about it--but no one so far had implemented the idea.

I also think that there should be less 'small shop' kind of stores and more bigger stores, like Macy's or JCPenney. Bigger shops can have low profit margins for some stuff, but high profit margins for others, and so, they eventually can make more money through economies of scale.

I am waiting for someone to buy a whole building and convert it into one big store.

Westecs? Then again the stuff they sell can be bought at cheaper prices in Bongo and Dhaka College. Theres been a few good Bangladeshi Brands in recent years. Cats Eye, Menz Club, Artisti.

Westecs? Then again the stuff they sell can be bought at cheaper prices in Bongo and Dhaka College. Theres been a few good Bangladeshi Brands in recent years. Cats Eye, Menz Club, Artisti.

Last time I was in Bangladesh(2007), I shopped at the Westecs in Uttara. Bought me some very nice shirts, but to be honest, I can't find decent pants anywhere. I love Dockers and every now and then the local Kohl's and JCPenney has them on sale for $18-$20. I haven't seen anything of Docker's quality for this price in Dhaka.

I think it will work---i have already seen some other expats thinking about it--but no one so far had implemented the idea.

InshaAllah when I visit Dhaka this December, I'm going to study the feasibility of a big box hardware store. A well connected friend in Dhaka mentioned that finding capital will not be a problem if the business plan is good.

The ultimate aim should be to stock the store with locally made products and give incentives to deshi hardware manufacturers to produce quality products.

I think it will work---i have already seen some other expats thinking about it--but no one so far had implemented the idea.

The whole concept behind the Home Depots of this world is DYI home improvement. Our Bangladeshi 'sahibs' are as lazy as the 'bibis' -- which leaves us with the 'ghulams' -- i.e. the electricians, the painters (rang mistry) etc. who are easy to hire on a per job basis (compared to the West). These latter folks only frequent shops in old dhaka to do 'dam dastoor' (business dealings) which take up a whole day more or less.

To replace the old-Dhaka merchants -- anything resembling Home Depot must be able to beat them on price by at least 20% (which is the going rate in the US/Canada as well). And BTW it can be a collection of shops on the same floor instead of a open shelves concept.

Last time I was in Bangladesh(2007), I shopped at the Westecs in Uttara. Bought me some very nice shirts

Could've got the same stuff much cheaper at Bongo as I said. :p

Could've got the same stuff much cheaper at Bongo as I said. :p

Since I was not familiar with Bongo Bazaar, I didn't go there. I was also told that the items on sale there have minor glitches(irregular stitching, thread sticking out, etc.) in them.

The whole concept behind the Home Depots of this world is DYI home improvement. Our Bangladeshi 'sahibs' are as lazy as the 'bibis' -- which leaves us with the 'ghulams' -- i.e. the electricians, the painters (rang mistry) etc. who are easy to hire on a per job basis (compared to the West). These latter folks only frequent shops in old dhaka to do 'dam dastoor' (business dealings) which take up a whole day more or less.

To replace the old-Dhaka merchants -- anything resembling Home Depot must be able to beat them on price by at least 20% (which is the going rate in the US/Canada as well). And BTW it can be a collection of shops on the same floor instead of a open shelves concept.

You're exactly right about the Do It Yourself aspect. When I bought my house, I realized how expensive it was to hire a handyman. A plumber charges upwards of $75/hr to fix a faucet leak and an electrician $100 to install a ceiling fan. It didn't take me long to realize I better do all these repair work myself to save money.

As for BD, our lazy sahib's don't want to go to the dirty "oli golis" of old Dhaka and do the "dam dostoor", but if the big store is nice and clean and everything is available in one location, I bet a few lazy sahibs will not hesitate to try fixing a few minor issues at home themselves. Also the store would sell appliances, carpets, nursery items, etc. to pull in a variety of shoppers. Several of my garden vegetable plants were bought at Home Depot.

As for cutting the price by 20%, why is that needed? If the products are competitively priced, it will be beneficial for the "mistry" to shop at the store. He will find everything he needs and will not have to go from shop to shop and deal with several shopkeepers. I don't think Agora has reduced their prices to compete with the mudi dokans.

Will a Home Depot/Lowes/Menards type big box hardware store work in Dhaka? It would be a one stop shop for all your building construction and home furnishing needs.

Right now you have to go to 10 different little shops to get any hardware and then haggle to death because the prices are inconsistent.

It may also work if it is modelled as a wholesale store, like Sam's Club.

I don't think Agora has reduced their prices to compete with the mudi dokans.

According to my mom the vegetables and fish/meat available at these stores are not lower priced or fresh compared to the Kacha Bajars. Thats why she never goes there. Other stuff(harpic, snacks, insecticdes, toothpaste, etc.) is priced the same as mudir dokans and ppl do go there when they have a list of such stuff to buy and can get it done it quickly.

Westecs also sells clothes with glitches. The same thing will cost Tk. 200 in Bongo whereas it will be Tk. 500 in Westecs. I wouldnt pay so much extra money for the same product. If I had to dish out a lot of money, I would rather spend it on the Bangladeshi Brands I mentioned.

Does anyone else think the price of clothes in BD has suddenly gone thorugh the roof. Tk. 500 is the cheapest for a pair of pants. If you go the nicer stores they wont be lesser than 1000.

According to my mom the vegetables and fish/meat available at these stores are not lower priced or fresh compared to the Kacha Bajars. Thats why she never goes there. Other stuff(harpic, snacks, insecticdes, toothpaste, etc.) is priced the same as mudir dokans and ppl do go there when they have a list of such stuff to buy and can get it done it quickly.

Westecs also sells clothes with glitches. The same thing will cost Tk. 200 in Bongo whereas it will be Tk. 500 in Westecs. I wouldnt pay so much extra money for the same product. If I had to dish out a lot of money, I would rather spend it on the Bangladeshi Brands I mentioned.

Does anyone else think the price of clothes in BD has suddenly gone thorugh the roof. Tk. 500 is the cheapest for a pair of pants. If you go the nicer stores they wont be lesser than 1000.

Location, Display and packaging comes at a price brother.....
Plus u wont get good suits and leather jackets at Bongo....

tbh I can get jeans and shirts at a lower price in Canada than at Westecs.....
I obviously shop only in Sale products.....

Location, Display and packaging comes at a price brother.....
Plus u wont get good suits and leather jackets at Bongo....

tbh I can get jeans and shirts at a lower price in Canada than at Westecs.....
I obviously shop only in Sale products.....

Where's the best place in Dhaka to have suits made? What about for custom tailored jeans?

Where's the best place in Dhaka to have suits made? What about for custom tailored jeans?

Well some good places to look would be "Fit Elegance- A tarique Zia project"- It is located near Aarong (tejgaon).....Then there is also Ferdous and Fops....

However If you have the option to get suits made from outside bangladesh than I suggest you do that...Bangladesh still lacks the skill in the art of making good suits....

Custom Tailored Jeans??? no idea bro....
You can go to Bongo, choose a jeans and than choose the logo that u like (levis, Lee...etc)....thats custom enough :)

However If you have the option to get suits made from outside bangladesh than I suggest you do that...Bangladesh still lacks the skill in the art of making good suits....

I agree with you completely on this. Don't get suits tailored in Bangladesh or buy the ready made ones. I was gifted a couple of suits and both were disasters. Even after taking all the measurements, the darn tailor couldn't get it right :mad:

This was back in 2005, so may be the skill level has gotten better, but I still would not spend big money on Deshi suits.

Where's the best place in Dhaka to have suits made? What about for custom tailored jeans?

I agree most places in Dhaka don't have good suits. If you go to a tailor and have them measure you up and make a suit for you, they'll just turn it into a complete disaster. The cut too is generally so khat. All they'll ask is "two button" or "three button". And by default they'll make the pants pleated. Looks like something a grandfather would wear. Even a place like Ferdous, where they've been so nice to me, haven't been able to make something to my liking. The shoulder padding moves out to my elbows :P

One place I'd recommend is Raymond. The making and stitching charge the most - it's around BDT 3,700 per suit. Excellent. I just made one last week from the new flagship store in Banani. However, you'll have to provide them with a sample, because the secret to a good suit is how they cut it. If you have a sample, then you should definitely go there. But I wouldn't recommend you buying the material from there as well, because they're a little overpriced. Hope this helps.

Location, Display and packaging comes at a price brother.....
Plus u wont get good suits and leather jackets at Bongo....

tbh I can get jeans and shirts at a lower price in Canada than at Westecs.....
I obviously shop only in Sale products.....

I get my suits made at a Tailors. Then again I dont wear suits unless its a dinner, ball or wedding.

haha westecs has no packaging. Display is nothing great infact how tghe salesperson keeps following you everywhere (like in my many BD stores) is annoying. Location...nothing great either.

I get my suits made at a Tailors. Then again I dont wear suits unless its a dinner, ball or wedding.

haha westecs has no packaging. Display is nothing great infact how tghe salesperson keeps following you everywhere (like in my many BD stores) is annoying. Location...nothing great either.

Well their Gulshan flagship outlet looks very nice from the outside. Everything with the ambience, to the shelving, to the music is just great. Would compare with a store at a top mall abroad. But their apparel collection doesn't necessarily reflect that. If you recall, they had a 50% discount on all suits a month or two ago. But I was so disappointed when I saw the collection. I don't really like the general way they cut the fabric at most places here. As I already mentioned, the best thing to do is to selectively buy some good fabric and then go to a top place like Raymond with a sample. They'll do a good job.

The shopping mall looks very nice and modern.Wait for the updated pictures for those under construction buildings.

Guys in Dhaka, post some Ramadan shopping scenes from the Dhaka malls and bazaars. Also show us what iftar items are being sold in the streets.

You're exactly right about the Do It Yourself aspect. When I bought my house, I realized how expensive it was to hire a handyman. A plumber charges upwards of $75/hr to fix a faucet leak and an electrician $100 to install a ceiling fan. It didn't take me long to realize I better do all these repair work myself to save money.

As for BD, our lazy sahib's don't want to go to the dirty "oli golis" of old Dhaka and do the "dam dostoor", but if the big store is nice and clean and everything is available in one location, I bet a few lazy sahibs will not hesitate to try fixing a few minor issues at home themselves. Also the store would sell appliances, carpets, nursery items, etc. to pull in a variety of shoppers. Several of my garden vegetable plants were bought at Home Depot.

As for cutting the price by 20%, why is that needed? If the products are competitively priced, it will be beneficial for the "mistry" to shop at the store. He will find everything he needs and will not have to go from shop to shop and deal with several shopkeepers. I don't think Agora has reduced their prices to compete with the mudi dokans.

I think the highlighted part is what's best to be done in a store.

For me, I don't think the price will be a question when shopping convenience is really high. Although the concept in Dhaka and the Philippines is different, luring shoppers to buy at malls/supermaket does not really mean cutting 20% off the price but having competitive prices. I have seen that in SM Malls in the Philippines. They may not be as low as the one's that you get in your local market vendor by the street but having a supermarket, hardware store, pharmacy, bill payment booths and other convenience is one important factor--you wouldn't have to jump from one mall to another just to buy the stuffs that you need. You can already buy slices of any meat or fish at per kilo basis without even going out to a wet-market. I think this is the real concept of malling experience: staying in just one place for your conveniences and needs.

One thing too, many malls in the PHilippines offer competitive prices against other stores that's why many would still prefer to buy in them. They offer 3 day sales, and then bundles supermarket items in one pack to give the customer a wiser option.

DYI stores have also sprouted like mushrooms everywhere as well as those Wal-Mart style box /wholesale type stores.

On what I've seen on the malls in Dhaka, I think they would need to innovate their mall architecture to lure more shoppers into their nest. Sometimes, the design is also one aspect in luring shoppers. I have seen that most malls are 4-6 storeys/floors high and that alone is so burdensome to shoppers. A more substantial malling concept should be at 2 - 4 floors. 5 is okay but more than that is already burdensome. Most would become tired at merely 30 mins going up and down those elevators or staircases. In the Philippines, though big time shoppers are not alot, people below the poverty line also go to these malls for their conveniences. They eat with their family at their favorite western fast-food chain, watch movies in it, and spend leisure time at its arcade/mini-them park.

I think the highlighted part is what's best to be done in a store. --snip--

Interesting firsthand insights.. Thanks.

Metro Mall (Dhanmondi):
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Image007-1.jpg

Interesting firsthand insights.. Thanks.

youre welcome :) that's firsthand insight from a shopper not a mall developer :)

bashundhara city 's 7 th floor has built 7 mega shops of around 25000sq ft area each. its big and nice .thts how shops shud b made . shops r ecstasy,bata, apex, deshi dosh( ten shops together) infinity, mens club,westecs.

A superstore crafted with care
Designer of Aarong's flagship outlet says how the store tells the story of craftsmen

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2011/03/28/2011-03-28__buis04.jpg
Leading fashion house Aarong opens its flagship outlet in Uttara amid high hopes. insetBrian Quirk. Photo: Rashed Shumon
Md Fazlur RahmanThe idea behind Aarong's flagship retail store was all about setting up an outlet that will tell the story of a leading fashion house, its ties with people and the promotion of Bangladeshi craft as modern product, its designer says.

Brian Quirk, whose Kuala Lumpur-based agency Quirk and Associates was involved in the interior designing of the country's largest retail shop in Uttara, Dhaka, says the flagship outlet is not a store just to sell clothes and household products.

"It will tell the story of 65,000 craftsmen from all over the country working for the enterprise. This is really the most beautiful part of it."

He was in the city on Friday to attend the inaugural of the flagship retail outlet of Aarong (village fair in Bangla), an enterprise of Brac, world's largest non-governmental development organisation.

The outlet on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Road in Sector 3, Uttara occupies 36,000 square feet of area. It features six levels, with dedicated segments for clothing, accessories, leather and metal, books and stationery, toys, household products and much more.

Other features include an exhibition gallery, a floor dedicated to exclusive product offering, a premium customer lounge and a newly branded Aarong Café.

Quirk says the design of the store, starting with the customised plans for the building to internal layout and decor, has been done in a way that it fits all international retail industry standards.

Nakshikantha has been chosen as the overall theme for the store, to reflect Aarong's pioneering role in the revival of the unique Bangladeshi craft.

Spanning the north wall of the building is Aarong's Tree of Life, in which Aarong's story is interwoven with the many thousands of stories of its family of 65,000 artisans from across the country, Quirk says.

"The network of roots and branches of the tree is in fact an image of the rivers of Bangladesh. The motifs that form the tree use unique Nakshikantha patterns shaped from natural elements -- metal, wood, clay, leather and bamboo -- indigenous to the work of the country's artisans," he says.

The designer says the most challenging part about the store, which is growing on average 20 percent annually, was to come up with a design that would work at international level but also carry the feeling of the Bangladeshi culture. "That is the part we have spent most of our time on."

The director of Quirk and Associates says there are many ways to display a product. "But it is not all about products hanging on the shelves; it is also about how the environment you create around the products that works to enhance the product and makes the shopping experience a positive one for the people shopping in."

"The environment can help bring the beauty out of the product. That helps shoppers to understand the story and history behind the products and Aarong."

Quirk says he went through different layers of the chain to learn about how things work at Aarong. "I went to one of the main regional and sub-regional centres. I went to a village where women were sitting on the yard, doing embroidery work."

"Those layers of the organisation told me how the products go from the villages to up through the different centres and eventually to Dhaka."

He says, through the design they tried to capture the spirit of what Aarong is producing. "It is not just designing one thing and then repeating that 100 times. Every single item here has been thought about and adapted to that."

"We brought in the global practices of merchandising to help people understand different ways to display products, how to put and how to create department, in order to make the store an exciting place to shop."

He says having a proper merchandising strategy helps, as the bigger an outlet gets the more complicated it gets to operate.

The designer says his firm's experiences in designing major flagship stores have helped in Bangladesh. "We worked with a lot of big international retail groups. We have designed flagship stores in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and China."

"We spent a lot of time with Tamara (Abed) and with her team to understand what Aarong is all about. It is not just that we are imposing a strategy on Aarong. We applied our knowledge to what Aarong is doing to create something unique."

Aarong, the country's leading fashion and lifestyle brand, opened the flagship store in efforts to strengthen its brand image and present itself on a platform of global standards.

The social enterprise, now in its 33rd year of operation, supports lives and livelihoods of some 65,000 rural artisans and handicraft producers. Women make up half of its producer base.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=179354

^^ Gonna be a great shopping place for expatriates like myself and foreign tourists..

dont know about that but as of recent, aarongs quality has been going downhill, imported punjabis have better quality and finishing!

^^ Gonna be a great shopping place for expatriates like myself and foreign tourists..

My wallet will be bare :ohno:

dont know about that but as of recent, aarongs quality has been going downhill, imported punjabis have better quality and finishing!

Too much competition, these days.

^^ Gonna be a great shopping place for expatriates like myself and foreign tourists..

A Big number of tourists flock to Arong.......so its great to know that Arong has come up with a great new flagship store of 36000 sq feet(which is like really big!)

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2011/2011_04_20/content_zoom/2011_04_20_3_5_b.jpg

DCC market under AL men’s siege!
Body formed to probe illegal expansion of the market
→ Sajjad Hossain

http://www.daily-sun.com/admin/news_images/212/thumbnails/image_212_44063.jpg

Powerful vested interests of the ruling party are illegally expanding the vulnerable building of DCC kitchen market (north) at Gulshan-2 which the estate department of DCC leased out to them in 2009.

Sources in the engineering department of Dhaka City Corporation said the two-storey age-old market was declared vulnerable during the period 1996-97.

In the wake of widespread allegations and irregularities in shop allotments, DCC on Monday formed a committee, led by Chief Engineer Abul Hossain, to investigate the illegal expansion of the market.

According to the allotment paper of the estate department, the market was leased out to Md Sohel, son of Abdul Latif Bepary, a resident of Khilbarirtek under Bhatara of Gulshan, for expansion of the market to make a quick buck. Following his application on August 26, 2009, DCC investigated the matter four times to review the possibility of making structures on the rooftop of the market, but it did not give approval, terming the market age-old and vulnerable.

DCC sources said former chief estate officer Moshiur Rahman had given the lease to Sohel for a limited period only.

Keeping the mayor in the dark, the estate officer had allocated the market to the Awami League loyalist for constructing a total of 141 shops on its 11,584 square feet rooftop.

Sources said the building with crumbling plaster and a leaking roof may collapse any time as the pillars and walls are peeling off, doors and windows rotting.

While visiting the market, it was found that the AL-backed Gulshan Kitchen Market Shop Owners’ Association is involved in setting up the shops.

Sources said the under-construction shops have already been sold at Tk 6 to Tk 7 lakh per shop.

Most of the shops were allocated to the ruling party men who also have previous allocations, sources alleged, saying the present allocations are not made in compliance with the DCC ordinance.

Shahibur Rahman, secretary of the shop owners’ association, denied the allegation, saying most of the shops were sold out to the general public.

Only 12 to 15 shops were allocated to the ruling party loyalists, he claimed.

“After facing a hurdle, my younger brother Shahidur Rahman and I have got two shops in the present allocation. We have another shop on the ground floor of the market,” said Shahibur.

Mizanur Rahman, convener of Badda Jubo League, has also got an allotment.

Replying to a query, he said, “As we [my party] are in power, I have got the shop allocated by the shop owners’ association.”

“Please do not write anything against us. Our lease might be cancelled,” he requested this reporter.

MA Malek, joint secretary of Gulshan Ward-19 AL, who is also the senior vice-president of the association, was awarded two shops, although he has a shop in the same market.

Asked about the process of getting allotment, he said, “We have got the allotments from DCC by lobbying.”

Allegations were also found against president and secretary of Gulshan unit-2 AL, Abul Kashem and Shahibur Rahman, also president and secretary of the shop owners’ association, took the lease by exercising political influence.

When contacted, Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka said DCC did not give approval for making structures on the vulnerable market.

Vested quarters of the ruling party are making structures to grab the corporation’s property by forging the signature of the estate department office, he added.

Engineering department sources said prior permission is necessary to set up any structure on the DCC property.

Chief Engineer Abul Hossain said, “I do not know about making any structure on the DCC market and my department did not give any design.”

Golam Rahman Miah, chief estate officer, said the erstwhile chief estate officer had given the lease, violating the rule.

Source: The Daily Sun