Karachi's bara markets — where the rich and poor are cut from the same cloth

Demand for menswear at bara markets has risen sharply and sale has peaked

KARACHI: As the sun sets and temperature falls in the city, bara markets across Karachi spring to life. In Ramazan particularly, air at these marketplaces feels all the more festive and liveliness is enhanced as makeshift stalls selling street food are set up along the markets' periphery. The vivacity witnessed at bara markets during Ramazan lasts until wee hours of the morning, and the markets operate from dusk to dawn.

Bara markets, which originated in the tribal areas of Pakistan, can now also be found in different areas of Karachi. These marketplaces house a variety of imported goods sold at surprisingly low prices and are a source of relief for those belonging to low income households looking for quality products.

With Eid just round the corner, bara markets are now frequented by people seeking to buy quality fabric for menswear at a low price. As a result, the demand for men's clothing at these markets has seen a steep rise over the last few days and  sale has peaked.



Offering a variety of fabrics for menswear, including cotton and wash and wear, bara markets cater to diverse tastes and choices. Those who are not able to afford clothes from high-end stores and brands are presented with economical alternatives at these markets, which are no way less in terms of quality. Doing so, bara markets are playing their part in narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor.

According to vendors at bara markets, those belonging to low income households as well as affluent of the city visit these market to buy fabrics, which they later get stitched for Eid.

Despite prices of products sold at bara markets going up this year by Rs200 to Rs300, due to rupee fall against dollar, business has not slowed down. Prices at these markets are still kept low enough so as to bring a range of products within the reach of a wider consumer base.

A difference of only Rs200 to Rs300 is observed in the price of an imported cotton suit since last year. It is now being sold for Rs1,200 in comparison to Rs900 to Rs1,000, which was its price last year.Similarly, a paper cotton suit which was priced at Rs1,200 last year is now being sold for Rs1,500. Additionally, the price of locally made latha fabric has also increased by Rs300, now amounting to Rs1,800. A variety of unstitched embroidered cotton fabrics are also available at bara markets, which are priced between Rs1,500 to Rs1,800.

According to shopkeepers at bara markets, despite the marginal increase in the prices of menswear fabrics, business this year has still been better than last year.

A salesman at Noor Cloth Centre in Chawla Market, located in Nazimabad, said that the demand for cotton, lawn and malai cotton has particularly gone up as people consider them better choices for summer.

However, most traders at bara markets in different areas of Karachi including Saddar, Tariq Road, Nazimabad, Chawla Market, Qasba Aligarh Market, Lasbela, Saddar Cooperative Centre and Defence Market, are of the opinion that business has been better this year because of the improved law and order situation in the city.



Fair price shops

Apart from bara markets, fair price shops around the city, particularly those situated in SITE and Landhi Industrial Area, have also experienced an increase in footfall, providing more pocket-friendly options for menswear amid inflation, which has crippled the buying power of a common man in Pakistan. At these shops, menswear fabrics and clothes are available for a price 10 per cent to 15 per cent lower than the market price.

Most of these shops have managed to keep the prices low, despite the increase in the cost of raw materials, and are mostly visited by individuals who intend to travel to other cities for Eid.

Presenting the citizens of Karachi with economical options for menswear clothing for Eid, bara markets and fair price shops around the city have made it possible for many to celebrate Eid in its true spirit despite growing difficulties in the face of rising prices.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2019.