The sun shines brightly. Though it is midday, the people seem not be bothered by the scorching sun. They concentrate on directing new clients to Nyabugogo market- the ‘home’ of second-hand clothes. Located in a semi dark concrete building, the big number of buyers makes Nyabugogo almost airless as people push through the crowds in search of their dream clothes. So ironical that air conditioned shops with many provisions to cater for their customers never experience such crowds!Inside the market, uneven rows of clothing and beddings make the atmosphere almost impenetrable. Some rows of clothes are too small but heavily packed. Between them, dozens of men, women and teenagers stand as they bargain for the best price they can ever part with. Many sellers sit in their pile of clothes and other merchandise, looking exhausted but satisfied. Because of the numbers, countless people sweat but they don’t give up; they remain erect and only bend when their eyes catch a glimpse of another interesting design. As respectable looking ladies check out the clothes, another says she is worried about where she has parked her car! Piqued, I ask her what brings her to such a congested place! Couldn’t she afford the shopping malls in town? Faustine Niyigena tells me the secret behind second hand clothes. “I always come to shop for my kids here. I get very beautiful and unique clothes at an incredibly low price,” she says. According to some of the Nyabugogo traders, these heaps of clothes are the last class of second hand cloths. When second hand cargo comes in from Dubai and Uganda, they are divided into classes depending on what the purchasers can afford. First class second-hand clothes qualify to be displayed on cloth hangers; second class clothes are also hanged though the prices differ while third class clothes are heaped into rows as they wait for buyers. The hawkers’ stock is also third class. While second hand clothes are distinguished by class, few seem to notice the difference when actually worn. Buyers flood the third class clothes. No wonder Nyabugogo is always that full. “This is what we experience daily. We have routine customers to whom we sell clothes on credit and they pay at the end of the month,” Erick Bizimana, a trader, said. Bizimana sells second hand skirts, each at Rwf1000. Clothes placed in heaps are sold for between Rwf 700 and 1500. Lately, these clothes have become the toast of the day. They are sometimes termed as ‘sunshine’ apparently because they are the best and Nyabugogo is endearingly termed DT (Down Town). Venturing through the busy crowds, I ended up in an extremely neat place where clothes are flying on hangers. The rows are spaced and the clothes which include male suits, dinner dresses, working clothes and casual wear are colourful. It’s America, Nyabugogo’s best; where attire cost twice the price of a new outfit from shopping malls. “Our customers are fine with the prices, they prefer quality to clinging on to money,” says Cleo Uwimbabazi. She says that on Tuesdays when new stock comes in girls flood the market. In their quest for the elegant look, they forego their sleep and dash to America at 5:00a.m to make some serious purchases. Though expensive, second-hand clothes are dubbed unique, the main reason why they are preferred. “I really hate it when I get out only to find myself dressed identically with a total stranger,” says Faith Abayo. According to second-hand clothes’ fans, new clothes are extremely common. All new styles rock at the same time! A live example is the Jennifer Lopez tops, snow wash jeans and two- in- one top designs; too cute but awfully common. Additionally second-hand clothes are said to be original basing on how long they last and where they are imported from unlike duplicates in shops. “The maximum I’ve been with a new clothe was five months yet I still own a ‘sunshine’ blouse I bought in 2005,”says Abayo as she proudly points to her blouse. These are clothes that don’t discriminate when it comes to paying. They range from the least amount to the highest.Second-hand clothes are sold all over Kigali markets and streets especially when it gets late. In many businesses, the challenge is getting customers while for the second hand business their main challenge is getting enough stock to satisfy their ever demanding partners. However, one should note that selecting the best choice depends on the buyer. Check your stuff well for any possible hidden damage before you set off for home with a smile that might vanish when it’s too late. Ends
