Displaying items by tag: secondhand clothes

The government has ordered the immediate removal of street vendors from Harare’s central business district and reaffirmed a national ban on the import and sale of second-hand clothes. Local government minister Daniel Garwe cited concerns over urban disorder, the rise in illicit nighttime activities, and the negative impact on formal businesses. However, opposition politicians believe street vending stems from desperation, not defiance: they argue that many citizens rely on informal trade for survival amid chronic unemployment and economic mismanagement. One has said that such policies, without viable alternatives, only deepen suffering. Instead of punitive measures, she has called for inclusive economic reform, skills development, and gradual integration of informal traders into formal markets. Previous crackdowns failed because they didn’t address the underlying causes of poverty.

A pop-up ‘Charity Super.Mkt’ staffed by volunteers will be open for a month at Brent Cross shopping centre. It will sell donated clothing supplied by ten UK charities, including Barnardo's and Cancer Research. It comes as second-hand fashion is gaining in popularity amid the rising cost of living and a higher demand for sustainable shopping. It is hoped this will help to change the way people think about second-hand fashion. 65% of people across the UK wear second-hand clothes at least once a week. See Meanwhile in Devon churches have launched a mobile foodbank. The YUM Project (You + Us = More) will run from a converted minibus to reach people who find it hard to access current food support schemes in a fixed location. It includes a social supermarket as well as a foodbank. The service will operate five days a week across Torbay using church car parks and community centres.