Sale of thrift stores in Cotonou : A booming business

Men, women, nationals and foreigners, many of them engage in the trade of second-hand clothes usually referred to as thrift stores. From the Dantokpa market to the Godomey interchange via their new market not far from the Stade Général Mathieu Kérékou esplanade (Three-Seed), they are there, T-shirts or pants in hands. The most stable have their stands.

Clothing sellers commonly known as thrift stores or “Atchouta ” en Fon occupy the streets of Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi in ​​search of customers. Since the announcement was made that they will be moved from Missèbo until then the largest second-hand market in the sub-region located in the heart of Cotonou, these dealers have decided to settle on the sidewalks and several major intersections. Some are treading water, while others wander around with the sole aim of selling what they offer to the population.

This activity formerly monopolized by nationals of neighboring countries (Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso...) is now also exercised by Beninese, especially young people looking for work. “It is really difficult to find employment in the country, I have a degree in sociology but I couldn't find anything better to do. I've been selling thrift stores for two (02) years already and I'm not complaining too much ; I manage to maintain myself and feed myself with this activity », confided Maxime V., about thirties.

As added by other sellers who have been in the field for ten years, the flow observed in recent times is not due solely to the dismantling of the Missèbo market. It is also due to growing unemployment., as is the case with Maxime. “If young Beninese men and women are now interested in the sale of second-hand clothes, it's because they understood that you can't wait to be recruited before making money. With this activity, you are your own employer. Many of us have degrees. The sale of thrift stores is like an attic, some leave when they find better, others settle permanently”, says Georgette, quarantine and being among those expelled from the Missèbo market. She says she has been carrying out this activity for fifteen (15) years. Faustin, all smiles in front of his stand because he has just made his first sale of the day, says he would like to open a large clothing store : " Five years ago, I was a street vendor. Here it is today, I have my little stand, I hope that by then, I will have the ability to open my store. I don't think I'll leave this activity anymore unless it goes away on its own.". Thrift stores are well appreciated by the population, some find them less expensive and very resistant.

The proliferation of shops ” Ready to wear“

Ready-to-wear shops continue to multiply in Benin. This activity of marketing new clothes or thrift stores of "1st choice" or "2nd choice" has been in full expansion for a few years.. Are on sale in these shops, clothing from major European or American brands with or without labels such as : Louis Vuitton, Levis, Nike, Adidas, reebok,… For Etienne, owner of a ready-to-wear boutique, it is a sector of activity that feeds people. "That's why every day that God makes people are interested in it". However, he indicates that "it is enough not only to have quality articles but also to be at the top while adopting an adequate sales policy to increase its performance", he confided. He adds: “It is true that our articles are not accessible to all budgets because we offer clothes that are a little newer and last longer than the others, but also we try to interest as much as possible”. “But there are times when the sale becomes rare. Very difficult times because the bills do not wait”, he stressed. To the question of the turnover he makes per week, our interlocutor preferred to remain silent. “I really want to dress in ready-to-wear, but for now, I don't have the means", hinted Mark, teacher. On the other hand, for Christophe, accounting, taste is priceless. “I love wearing quality clothes. Reason why sapology is one of my hobbies », he said with a smile. “The expansion of ready-to-wear shops is on the rise because of rural populations who have an unbridled taste for this type of clothing product”, concluded Fernand who is afraid that this trade in view of the number of people who exercise it will end up making people disappointed.

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