RAWALPINDI, Nov 4: These days while driving from The Mall to Haider Road, motorists in increasing numbers have to experience traffic jams because the area is the hub for second hand clothing stores — also known as Landa Bazaars.

On any given Sunday, one can see women folk busy haggling over prices with shopkeepers. Sweaters, socks, hand-bags, shoes, quilts and rugs are the main attractions at these stalls.

The Landa Bazaar is a regular feature on Sunday but in winter, it attracts more people, especially from middle class families, who go to buy warm clothes, blankets and quilts at cheaper rates.

There are more than five bazaars in the garrison city, which offer second hand garments but people prefer visiting Saddar’s Sunday bazaar because of the quality of items available. Mostly people look for international designer labels.

“I work in a private firm and my salary hasn’t  increased for the last three years, despite the surge in petroleum prices and I can’t afford to buy a jacket or sweater from the main shops,” said Ashar Ali, a shopper at Haider Road.

Mrs Nasreen Akhter said that she bought three dresses from Landa Bazaar to make dresses for her two daughters. “I go every Sunday, as the second hand bazaars are a blessing for us because we can’t afford high prices at boutique stores,” she said.

Another shopper, Mohammad Javed said that he bought jackets and neckties from these bazaars because of the affordability factor. “Last year, a necktie was available at Rs20 per piece but the prices have increased this year,” he said.

“We have come to buy warm clothes before the start of winter as the stallholders will increase the prices soon after the rain,” said Raja Yaqoob and added that he spent his Sundays in search of good price bargains.

Although many shoppers complained that the prices of second hand garments had increased, compared to last year.

On the other hand, stall owners have their views to justify the increase in prices. “We bought second hand garments at increased prices, so we were forced to raise the price tag. We have to pay fees to Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) for establishing stalls on roadsides on Sunday,” said Abdul Rehman, a stall holder on Haider Road.