The importation of second hand clothes in the country is now causing a storm, with an Edgars’ manager complaining on their uncontrolled entry into the country. Many Zimbabweans are now venturing into the business of delivering and selling second hand clothes which are more cheaper than those in the retail outlets creating a competition with other major retails in the country.
According to The Chronicle, Edgars managing director, Linda Masterson said that there was need for the government to control the importation of cheap used clothes into the country siting that this was marginalising retails.
“It means businesses like ourselves that pay taxes are being marginalised and pushed aside by the businesses that do not pay tax,” Masterson said .
In July 2015, the government banned the importation of second hand clothes and shoes into the country as part of the economic measures to facilitate the recovery of the local industry.
This did not however stop the selling of second hand as many were being sold two months after the ban of second hand clothes.
According to The Herald in January this year, the Zimbabwean government relaxed its position on the importation of second hand clothes to allow for the resuscitation and re-organisation of the textile industry.
The second hand clothes have flooded the all the urban centres of the country. In Harare the capital city, the second hand clothes is a thriving business at Mupedzanhamo, Copacabana and Charge Office flea markets.
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