A large number of city dwellers are crowding the makeshift shops in different areas of the capital including Gulistan, Bangabazar and New Market as the mild cold is gradually tightening its grip.

The vendors said during the past few days their sale of warm clothes marked a sharp rise while the customers said the prices have shot up.

Various types of warm clothes including sweaters, jackets, coats, hoodies, socks, shoes, blazers, caps, mufflers and various types of blankets are selling at these shops. The prices of these products range between 100 taka to 4000 taka depending on the product and quality.

Visiting Gulistan market near Baitul Mukarram mosque the UNB correspondent found a good number of buyers, especially those belonging to low and fixed income groups, are crowding the makeshift shops to buy warm clothes at affordable prices.

Buyers from other districts are thronging Gulistan wholesale market to buy winter clothes at retail or wholesale prices.

Md. Najid, a resident of Old Dhaka, said, "I do most of my shopping round the year from here. The prices are very low and there are many products here, so anyone has the opportunity to choose the products they like. I came here to buy warm clothes. A seller asked for a jacket Tk 2200, but I bought it for Tk 800."

Another buyer Nuruzzaman, who is a resident of Gazipur, said, "The advantage of shopping here is that you can buy as per your budget through bargaining. Quality warms clothes can be bought at comparatively low prices."

Abdur Rahman, a vendor said, "There is a lot of demand for winter clothes now. Sales are good this time."

Talking to another retailer, Md Sabuj, said, "Now many buyers are coming to buy warm clothes. Daily 40-50 jackets are being sold in my shop."

Apart from these, various hawkers and small traders are also seen selling warm clothes in vans in different parts of the city.

Fariduddin who has a makeshift shop in New Market area, said low and fixed income group people including day labourers, rickshaw-pullers and are crowding his shop.

Besides, the sales of various electronic items such as electric kettles, heaters, and fluxes have also increased in Gulistan market. Demand for winter cosmetics like olive oil and cream has marked a rise.