Citizens rush for affordable winter clothes

The demand for warm clothes has risen sharply after the temperature decreased significantly in recent days. The prices of warm clothes have increased in the flea markets as well as major stores amid the rising demand.

The prices of branded new sweaters start from Rs3,500, while jackets and coats for children are available for Rs4,000 to Rs8,000 apiece.

Another item being sold aplenty is mufflers, whick cost Rs250 to Rs350, while a pair of woolen socks is available for up to Rs280.

Overcoats for children are also being bought by the parents for Rs4,000 to Rs7,000, while those for elders are available for up to Rs14,000. Shawls are selling in the range of Rs4,000 to Rs8,000.

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A buyer at a flea market on Saturday, Muhammad Bilal, said used sweaters were available there for as low as Rs450 to Rs700 and coats for Rs600. Shawls in the flea markets were offered for Rs400 to Rs600 and sweaters for elders for Rs450 to Rs900.

Another buyer, Razia Bibi, said she had come to the flea market to purchase clothes for her children.

A shopkeeper in the market, Rana Shahid, complained that the import duty on used clothes had been enhanced, while the cost of transportation had also increased.

On the other hand, a modern store owner, Riaz, said the prices of raw material for clothes had increased along with the labour expenses, causing a hike in the prices as compared to previous years.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2023