Kimberley Dube is a 35-year-old self-employed entrepreneur living in Harare, Zimbabwe, who prefers secondhand clothes over local fashion brands due to their affordability and unique styles. She enjoys browsing through a small market next to a suburban shopping center to find individual and durable pieces that are not typically found in Zimbabwean stores. Her friend Gamuchirai Mpofu shares her love for preloved clothes, noting that they are more durable than the mass-produced items commonly found in stores.
Winnie Mutsokoti is a seller at the market who imports used clothing from overseas, primarily denim wear. She explains that her stock often includes items from broken size ranges, which are sold at reduced prices in bales destined for Africa. Mutsokoti pays a runner who sources the clothes from Zambia, allowing her to offer a range of graded and labeled bales to her customers. Meanwhile, in Mbare, a bustling market in a working-class neighborhood, Prosper Matenga sells imported secondhand clothing to customers who appreciate the durability and affordability of the garments.
The influx of affordable secondhand clothing in Zimbabwe has negatively impacted local clothing manufacturers and retailers. Bekithemba Ndebele, the CEO of Truworths Zimbabwe, laments that the popularity of used clothing has led to the closure of numerous retail branches and manufacturing facilities. Economic challenges, high unemployment rates, and inflation have further contributed to the downturn in the clothing industry. Other clothing companies, such as Kingsport Investments, have also struggled due to the illegal importation of secondhand clothes and inadequate government action to address the issue.
The introduction of the Zimbabwe gold (ZiG) currency has failed to stabilize the economy, leading to currency instability and rising inflation. Some economists, including Steve Hanke, argue that the real inflation rate in Zimbabwe is much higher than official figures suggest. With the demand for foreign currencies like the US dollar on the rise, many businesses face challenges related to payment in local currency, importing raw materials, and an erratic power supply. The reliance on imports and the lack of competitiveness in local manufacturing have further exacerbated the situation.
Despite efforts to regulate the importation of secondhand clothing through licensing and taxes, the trade continues to thrive in Zimbabwe. While some sellers face sporadic interceptions by authorities, the majority of bales of secondhand clothes find their way onto the market. Both buyers and sellers express a willingness to support local clothing manufacturing if prices, quality, and variety are addressed. Suggestions for revitalizing the industry include enforcing laws against illegal imports, changing government policies, and implementing market-oriented strategies to boost local production and trade.
