Prices increase in "Lunda Bazars" as the winter approaches

RAWALPINDI: 'Lunda Bazaars' is no more a heaven for the poor as the rates of used clothes and shoes are reaching sky high.

With the advent of chilly weather, a great rush is being witnessed in the weekly Lunda (second hand) bazaars of twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad to buy sweaters, jackets and other products for winter.

There are several Lunda bazaars in different areas of twin cities including Tench Bhatta, Jamia Masjid road, Hospital road, Railway road, Saddar Bazaar, Raja Bazaar, Faizaabad, H-9 and G/6.

During a visit of the weekly lunda bazaar, it was observed that a large number of low-income and middle class people visited the stalls.

The used clothes are popular as 'Lunda' bazaars can be found all over the country but now imported Chinese items are also sold with second hand items to make this business more profitable.

The rates of second hand clothes have been increased by 25 to 50 percent as compared to the last year.

The reports from various cities particularly upper parts of the country revealed that the second hand clothes' prices have increased manifold.

"It has become difficult for us to buy new clothes because of higher prices; therefore, I came here for buying sweaters," said Ilyas a buyer.

Many shopkeepers have changed their stalls of other products into the winter clothes. "It is the best time to earn more profit by selling used clothes," said Mumtaz, a trader of a weekly bazar.

A female buyer said that she comes to the second hand clothes market every year to find out good quality used items on affordable rates.

However, she said that every year she notices that the second hand clothes are being replaced with the Chinese goods. "They are now in greater quantity than the actual 'Lunda' (second hand) items, "she added.

Fahd a dealer of Chinese goods commented that though China-made products do appeal the customers, but they are not of good quality and therefore the costumers often return with complaints.

Due to increased prices of second hand clothes this year, the poor segment of the society is feeling helpless as their purchasing powers is too low to afford these warm clothes. (APP)