KARACHI, July 20: A double digit inflation, enormous rise in stitching charges by the tailors, falling living standards, rising utility bills cost, soaring prices of essential commodities and increasing prices of locally made fabrics and readymade garments have pushed up the demand of used garments in the markets.

As a result of this, import of second-hand clothing from Europe and America has touched to nearly Rs2 billion in 2001-02 as compared to Rs1.4 billion in 2000-01.

The customers, mainly belonging to middle class and lower middle class, throng these markets, known in popular parlance as “Lunda Bazars” to select the duplicate of world renowned designers’ outfits like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klien, Giorgio Aramani, Nike, Peter England, Mark Spencer, Polo, Versace, Levi’s, Lee, Dockers, Parx, VanHeusen and Wrangler.

The Lunda Bazars, which used to be very popular among low income group people, now also mark the presence from upper middle income group people, searching for these known designers’ outfits in order to satisfy themselves of being called gentleman of upper or elite class.

Country’s young generation from the middle class, perturbed by growing uncertainties at home, has developed a taste for these outfits following the advent of satellite channels in the country.

A cheap locally manufactured shirt costs Rs150 but its life is very short due to substandard fabric and quality, although the stitching is quite impressive. At the same price — consumers can have a very good quality shirt of world popular designers’ outfit at Rs50-75.

Same is the case with prices of locally made trousers ranging between Rs250 and Rs1,000, while in Lunda Bazars retailers offer them at Rs100-300. Shoes of popular brands like Nike and Reebock (original) are available in four digits price, but if you are a good bargainer you can have it at Rs300-600.

Usually Lunda Bazars are situated outside the main markets or in the vicinity of middle class areas. In the recent years, majority of new shopping plazas have developed such a section in the building where used clothes are available at very cheaper rates. Even in weekly bazars — people, including ladies, are seen buying used clothes.

A lowering of inflation rate, during the last two years, claimed by the government as single digit, has apparently brought no respite in demand for the second-hand cloths. This demand continues to grow as the prices of essential items are rising followed by meteoric increase in utility bills cost.

According to an industrial association’s estimate, 40 per cent population lives below the poverty line. During the last decade, the rate of poverty has increased to 40 per cent from 18 per cent and living standard has gone down.

Used cloth importers say that the rupee-dollar exchange rate deprives them of utililizing the full potential of the second-hand goods market in Pakistan.

The main supply of second-hand clothing comes from Napier Road in Karachi, and in northern areas, including those at Peshawar and Quetta, while Lahore’s Lunda Bazar is also very popular. Karachi’s Light House is the oldest and the most popular bazars.

Importers usually buy used clothes from the foreign suppliers who lift huge quantities mainly from auctions in Belgium, Germany, Holland, USA, Canada, Japan, Korea and Australia. — A.S.K