INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XII December 2025
Interpretation: This survey reveals that Mobile Financial Services (MFS) significantly boosts sales for small
apparel businesses in Bangladesh. A strong majority (60%) of customers buy slightly more when MFS is
available, while 10% purchase significantly more, proving that digital payments drive higher spending which
helps to develop small apparel business. Additionally, 8% exclusively buy when MFS is offered, highlighting
its role in capturing cashless customers. Although 22% buy less with MFS (possibly due to trust issues or
transaction fees), none (0%) completely avoid it, confirming its broad acceptance.
For small apparel entrepreneurs, MFS expands customer reach, increases sales volume, and ensures secure
transactions, reducing cash dependency. By integrating MFS, businesses can attract digital-first buyers,
encourage impulse purchases, and improve financial inclusion, making it a vital tool for growth in
Bangladesh’s evolving digital economy.
RESULTS
This study highlights how mobile banking is transforming Bangladesh's clothing sector, with bKash leading
adoption due to its convenience and reliability. Younger consumers (18-25 years) are driving this shift,
increasingly preferring digital payments over cash. Most importantly, MFS is proving to be a powerful enabler
for small apparel entrepreneurs. The study found that:
Firstly, increased Purchases: Customers reported buying “significantly more" from small businesses when
MFS is available, as it simplifies transactions and builds trust.
Secondly, market Expansion: Small entrepreneurs leveraging social media (Facebook/Instagram) and MFS can
tap into broader customer bases, including younger, tech-savvy demographics.
Thirdly, financial Inclusion: MFS provides home-based and small-scale apparel businesses—often excluded
from formal banking—with tools to manage cash flow, receive payments instantly, and reinvest in growth. To
sustain this progress, targeted interventions are needed:
Infrastructure Improvements: Addressing network issues and transaction delays to boost rural adoption.
Security Enhancements: Combating fraud risks to strengthen consumer and entrepreneur confidence.
Entrepreneur Training: Educating small businesses on leveraging MFS features (e.g., discounts,
seamless integrations) to attract and retain customers.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, mobile financial services are not only modernizing Bangladesh’s clothing retail sector but
also empowering small apparel entrepreneurs to thrive in a digital economy. By addressing existing challenges,
stakeholders can unlock further potential for inclusive and sustainable growth. Further research could also
examine the role of government policies and emerging technologies, such as AI-powered financial tools, in
supporting micro-entrepreneurs. These efforts would provide deeper insights into optimizing MFS for small
business growth.
REFERENCES
1. Himel, M. H., & Airin, R. (2024). Mobile financial services and social commerce adoption among
small apparel entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Development, 12(2), 45-60.
2. Islam, M. T., Rahman, M. S., & Kabir, M. N. (2022). Digital payment systems and their impact on
Bangladesh's apparel sector. International Journal of Financial Innovation, 8(3), 112-128.
3. Rahman, S., & Islam, A. (2021). The role of mobile financial services in transforming consumer
behavior: Evidence from Bangladesh. Journal of Fintech and Economic Development, 5(1), 78-95.
4. Ahmed, S., & Hasan, M. (2022). Digital Payments and Consumer Trust in Emerging Markets. Journal
of Retailing and Consumer Services, 15(3), 45-60.
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