Once in approach of the down-trodden class of society and a cheap source of prevention from cold in winter, the second-hand imported clothes are rapidly getting out of the reach of poor due to their high prices.
The prime reasons of this surge in prices seem to be the entrance of well-off families into the “Lunda Section” which encouraged vendors to sell the items on higher rates, together with the growing interest of traders in this field eying the potential it embeds.
Where only few people were seen roaming in the “Lunda Section” few years ago, now these sections in Weekly Bazars of the federal capital are crowded with people of every walk of life purchasing second-hand clothes, carpets, curtains, clothes, electronics, utensils and toys.
Taking advantage of the situation, the shopkeepers have also started demanding higher prices, arguing that they were good in quality as compared to local items of similar kind.
“It seems that in a while “Lunda” will be out of the reach of the poor like us”, said Kulsoom Bibi, who works in homes to earn livelihood for her children.
She said these second-hand clothes were the only source of amusement for her children as they become very happy whenever she bought something from here, but I am afraid this pleasure might also soon end.
“There is so much inflation in normal markets and bazaars, which is the reason why we are here to buy warm clothes,” said Idrees, the father of two infants and an employee of a private institution.
When asked about the higher rates in Lunda Bazars, he admitted the fact that prices of warm clothes did go on higher side during past five to six years but added that one must do bargaining over the rates demanded by the shopkeepers.
“Shopkeepers do demand higher but it is up to you to bargain. Some people pay the same as demanded which encourages the shopkeepers,” he mentioned.
There was a tendency in our society that people were reluctant and used to feel embarrass while going to Lunda Bazars, probably to maintain their self-respect, dignity, and only those were witnessed there who were really hand-to-mouth. But, it seems that the continuous dependency of the country’s economy over foreign loans, ever-rising inflation and some other social factors have contributed to this behavioral change.
“If you can get something of fine quality and that too in reasonable price then why not one should purchase from here,” said Mureed Anwar, a Bank Manager.
When asked isn’t it embarrassing to wear second-hand clothes, he said no one was bothering now a days whether the clothes were new or second-hand; In fact they have become part of fashion.
It was learnt while interacting with different people that there was a section of society who purchases these imported clothes and other items due to their excellent quality; even if they have to pay the price as par with that of brand new ones.
Regarding increase in prices of second-hand clothes, Munawar, a shopkeeper said, he himself purchased them in higher prices due to increase in import duties and other taxes.
He said the consistently rising rates of electricity together with load-shedding were also some factors contributing to this surge in prices.
