Used clothes get warm welcome

JAMBI, Jambi: A market selling secondhand garments in Jambi town was crowded as people rushed to get "new clothes" for the family for the Idul Fitri festival, which falls on Jan. 19.

Antara reported Friday that new clothes in stores were too costly for many families, with garments reaching Rp 75,000 for infants and around Rp 100,000 for men's trousers.

Udin, a secondhand clothes trader, said customers were increasing as Idul Fitri nears. Brand name garments in the latest style were most sought after, he said. Prices reached Rp 50,000, compared to Rp 15,000 before the crisis, he said.

Udin said he bought the clothes in sacks for about Rp 250,000.

Buyers said even though the clothes were secondhand, they were believed to be of good quality and came from Singapore or Malaysia through Batam.

"Many people don't have jobs now," a buyer, Syariah said, commenting on the rush.