The recent rains in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, subsequently, the snowfall in Murree has not only change the weather but also increase the sale of second-hand warm clothes. A huge crowd was observed at stalls of second-hand clothes in Faizabad, Abpara Market, Bahara Kahu, Saddar and Raja Bazaars and weekly bazaars to purchase warm jackets, sweaters, gloves, socks and caps at concessional rates.
High prices of winter clothes in different markets of the twin-cities have compelled the middle and low-income segment of the society to purchase warm clothes from "Landa Bazaars". Abida Gul, a customer in Saddar, said: "I came here to buy jackets for my kids, as the prices of new clothes are very high and I cannot afford to buy them".
Jamal Khan, another customer, said that second-hand clothes were not only economical but one could find good quality jackets and sweaters in heaps. Shah Jee, a seller of used clothes in Bahara Kahu, said a large number of customers belonging to the middle class visit the 'Lunda Bazaar' daily to purchase winter clothes.
He said people preferred to buy used clothes, as these are much cheaper than the new ones. "We purchase these clothes in bulk and sort out well conditioned jackets, sweaters and other items for the customers." The second-hand shirts, trousers, sweater and pullovers etc are imported from US, UK, Japan and other European states while blankets, carpets, shoes, overcoats, jackets and toys are imported from Korea, Japan and China.