Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Apparel for the price-conscious

HYDERABAD: Shopping for clothes became an expensive affair with branded and readymade apparel replacing the traditional cloth material that needs to be stitched. Buying clothes within a limited budget is a piece of nostalgia for many.

However, some of the low-price apparel markets in the city such as Bangladesh market at Musheerabad, Monda Market and Tibetan refugee winter wear markets at Ameerpet and Chaderghat seem to defy the trend in attracting buyers.

These markets are making various kinds of garments available to low-income families by circumventing the key cost factors. For example, you can get a synthetic sari for Rs. 50, a T-shirt for Rs. 40 and an ordinary woollen hoody for Rs.130.

Shamsher, a trader at the market, said that they get unsold showroom stock from Chilkalguda and sell it for almost 30 per cent of the showroom price.

Holding up a top with showroom price of Rs. 245, he says, “You cannot sell it here for more than Rs. 30.” The prices of children’s wear, dress material and saris and shirtings begin here from Rs. 20, Rs. 100 and Rs. 20 per metre respectively.

The Monda market at Secunderabad Railway Station bustles with shoppers thanks to the affordable prices. The synthetic saris are being sold from Rs. 50 onwards, while a pair of jeans is priced between Rs. 220 to Rs. 270. However, it can be bought for Rs. 170 upon aggressive bargaining. The winter wear begins here from Rs. 130.

E. Valli, a homemaker whose family income is Rs. 4,000 per month says that such markets are useful for the low-income families. “We usually present clothes to our relatives on festival occasions. We could buy clothes for a family of seven members by spending Rs. 1, 000,” she said.

The Tibetan markets have sweaters, mufflers, jackets and children’s winter wear in all sizes, colours and varieties at reasonable prices.

The prices of half-sweater, full-sweater and rain-coats start from Rs. 172, Rs. 200 and Rs. 300 respectively. L.T. Sonam, a vendor at the market, said that the varieties and the price range are not available at other shops in the city.

The ability to bargain is a pre-requisite in these markets says K. Rajeswari, a regular visitor to Bangladesh market.

“If they quote Rs. 100, you have to start from Rs. 20,” she says. It is the same with Monda market. Even though most of the shopkeepers say ‘fixed rate’, people continue to bargain.

However, this tactic wouldn’t work at the Tibetan markets as their prices cannot be negotiated. “If there are no fixed prices, the vendors will double or triple the rates,” says Tenzin Tseaang, organiser of the markets and added that the customers appreciate this.

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