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Out with the new, in with the old: Jambi residents buy used clothes, bucking holiday tradition
In the past, people often looked down at those who wore beje (used clothes). However, the perception of such style is changing, especially among younger people who are now scouring the bargain bins for name-brand items.
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In the past, people often looked down at those who wore used clothes. However, the perception of such style is changing, especially among younger people who are now scouring the bargain bins for name-brand items. (Shutterstock/Maridav)
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t is a tradition among many to shop for new clothes to wear during Idul Fitri celebrations at the end of Ramadan. In Jambi, however, wearing imported beje (used clothes) is all the rage.
Feri, a seller, said that, if during normal days he sold 10 T-shirts a day, now he could sell up to 20 daily.
“It’s not bad. It’s a Lebaran fortune,” he said on Sunday, referring to the local term for Idul Fitri.
In the past, people often looked down at those who wore beje – the term was used derogatorily to refer to someone with second-hand clothes. However, the perception of such style is changing, especially among younger people who are now scouring the bargain bins for name-brand items.
Jambi is full of popular spots for used-clothes shopping. Angsoduo, Talangbanjar, Simpangpule and Aurduri markets and the shops along Jl. Sunan Giri are often frequented by local residents.
Except for Jl. Sunan Giri, where traders mostly rent shophouses to run their businesses, the four markets are where traders are based, selling their products in small kiosks. As a result, prices differ between Jl. Sunan Giri and the markets.
At the four markets, T-shirts are priced at Rp 30,000 (US$2.10) on average, while the shirts along Jl. Sunan Giri can cost twice as much.
