Home appliance sales in Bangladesh rise by about 30–40 per cent during the Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr shopping season, driven by festival spending and promotional campaigns, Walton Hi-Tech Industries said.
The seasonal demand has become one of the biggest sales periods for the electronics industry, with around 50 per cent of Walton’s annual refrigerator sales taking place between the two Eids, Walton Hi-Tech Industries Senior
Executive Director Shahjalal Hossain Limon said in an interview with TIMES of Bangladesh. To attract festival shoppers, Walton has launched promotional initiatives including Digital Campaign Season 23, offering customers free products with the purchase of selected appliances.
Under the campaign, buyers of Walton refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, washing machines and BLDC fans can receive free appliances, including side-by-side refrigerators and other models of refrigerators, freezers, televisions and air conditioners, depending on the purchase.
Limon said such campaigns are designed to strengthen customer engagement during the peak Eid shopping period while increasing brand loyalty.
Interest-free EMI facilities for credit card users have made purchases of durable products easier for consumers.
Sector shifting toward local manufacturing
The seasonal surge in appliance demand is occurring alongside a broader structural shift in Bangladesh’s electronics sector from import dependence to domestic manufacturing and value addition.
“The sector transformed from heavy reliance on imports to increased local manufacturing and value addition,” Limon said.
The shift is improving product availability and strengthening consumer confidence in locally produced brands. Rising urbanisation, digital adoption and the expansion of the middle-income population are also driving long-term demand for appliances such as refrigerators, televisions and air conditioners.
Despite inflation and currency pressures, the sector’s outlook remains positive because of Bangladesh’s expanding consumer base and changing lifestyles.
Competition pushing quality and innovation
Competition in the electronics market remains intense but has helped companies improve product quality, technology and customer service.
Walton uses its local manufacturing capacity to respond quickly to market demand and develop products suited to local consumer preferences, Limon said.
The company is also investing in technology upgrades while strengthening dealer relationships, brand communication and after-sales service.
International brands may benefit from global recognition, but Walton’s strategy focuses on combining global standards with local market insights to compete through quality, technology and customer trust rather than price alone.
Opportunities and challenges in local production
Bangladesh’s large domestic market presents significant opportunities for electronics manufacturing.
Local production helps reduce foreign currency outflows, create jobs and strengthen national industrial capability.
However, the sector faces structural challenges including exchange-rate volatility, dependence on imported components, high energy costs and the need to develop stronger local supply chains.
Consistent policies, infrastructure support and incentives for innovation would help accelerate sustainable growth of domestic electronics manufacturing, Limon said.
Inflation and dollar shortages
Inflation and shortages of US dollars are increasing production costs and extending lead times for manufacturers dependent on imported raw materials.
At the same time, weaker consumer purchasing power is making buyers more cautious about spending.
Manufacturers are therefore focusing more on operational efficiency, supply chain planning and inventory management to cope with the changing economic environment.
Strengthening domestic production and increasing local value addition are crucial for reducing exposure to external economic shocks, Limon said.
Consumers becoming more research-driven
Consumer behaviour in the electronics market has changed significantly in recent years. Buyers now compare product specifications, energy efficiency, warranty coverage and brand reputation before making purchasing decisions.
“Customers now look for value for money, balancing price, quality, durability, performance and after-sales service,” Limon said.
Demand is also shifting toward smart and energy-efficient appliances as consumers become more aware of electricity costs and convenience.
Digital platforms such as Facebook and YouTube are playing an increasing role in shaping purchasing decisions, with many customers researching products online before visiting retail outlets.
Digital marketing has therefore become a key tool for electronics companies to communicate with consumers and explain product features.
After-sales service shaping customer trust
After-sales service is another important factor influencing customer loyalty in the electronics market. Walton has established more than 90 service centres across Bangladesh, supported by over 3,000 service professionals, forming what the company describes as the country’s largest after-sales service network for electronics appliances.
The service system operates under an ISO-certified customer service management framework designed to ensure quick and reliable technical support.
Smart technology driving future demand
Smart technology will play a major role in the next phase of growth in the electronics sector.
As smartphone usage and internet connectivity expand in Bangladesh, demand is rising for connected and energy-efficient appliances.
Walton has introduced smart features in televisions, refrigerators and air conditioners aimed at improving convenience and energy performance, Limon said.
The company’s strategy is to make advanced smart technology accessible to a wider range of consumers rather than limiting it to premium products.
Global ambitions for Bangladeshi electronics
Bangladesh’s electronics industry is gradually evolving from simple trading activities to a manufacturing-led sector focused on branding, technology and product development.
The shift is contributing to industrialisation, employment generation and technological advancement.
Local brands have demonstrated their ability to produce competitive electronics products over the past decade, Limon said.
Walton plans to strengthen its position as a technology and electronics manufacturer while expanding its global presence.
The company has already expanded its brand business to more than 55 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Future priorities include improving manufacturing efficiency, investing in innovation and smart technologies, strengthening customer experience and expanding exports.
The long-term goal is to position Bangladesh as a competitive global electronics manufacturing hub under the “Made in Bangladesh” brand, Limon said.
