Prices of used warm clothes soar as mercury falls

The major markets, including Delhi Gate and Old Anarkali catered to buyers of second-hand garments

LAHORE: With the advent of winter-foggy weather, the prices of warm clothes have increased manifold, as a large number of people from different walks of life visit weekly markets to buy cheap woollen clothes.

Chilly weather, during the last three days when rainfall hit Lahore and suburbs, has forced people to buy winter clothes and other necessary items. The major markets of used clothes in Lahore, including Delhi Gate, Naulakha market, Old Anarkali, Mayo Hospital, Ichhra catered to the needs of people who want to buy second-hand garments.



Muhammad Nasir, a shopkeeper at Naulakha market, said that a large number of poor and middle-class customers, visiting the markets were demanding woollen and warm clothes like sweaters, shawls and coats due to decrease in temperature. In this regard, crowds of people can be seen bargaining with retailers in markets where besides woollies, piles of quilts, bedcovers, blankets and rugs were up for sale.

Mohsin Ali, a customer at Old Anarkali market, complained that the prices of second-hand clothes were higher this year compared to last year. He said that last year he bought a jacket worth Rs250, but this time after a lot of bargaining, he had to pay Rs450 to the shopkeeper for a similar jacket.



Abdul Basit, a Punjab University student, said that the poor and middle-class community could not afford new clothing due to increase in cost of living, low income and limited purchasing power. He said that these weekly markets were comparatively better places where people could purchase used trousers and shirts for Rs100 to 200 per piece.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2017.