Edgars to Launch Dollar Deals as Government Bans Second-Hand Clothing
Written by Skyz Metro FM on January 26, 2025
24 January 2025
Effort Moyo
Presidential and Devolution Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti announced on Thursday, during a visit to Edgars Carousel in Bulawayo, that Edgars will introduce dollar deals on clothing, while the government moves to ban second-hand clothing, which has negatively affected the local clothing industry.
In a bid to regain market share, Edgars plans to offer affordable clothing through dollar deals, catering to Zimbabweans who have increasingly turned to second-hand garments. Muguti revealed that Edgars will also open express stores where customers can conveniently purchase dollar-priced clothes.
“I would like to acknowledge that the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has implemented a clothing rebate. This rebate has resulted in a 40% waiver on clothing raw materials, creating a more level playing field for local manufacturers.
Furthermore, I am pleased to see that Edgars has introduced a low-income segment brand with their Express stores, offering second-hand clothing for as low as a dollar. This is a significant development and something we never anticipated happening in Zimbabwe. Now, Edgars can offer affordable t-shirts and other clothing items at this price point,” said Muguti.
Speaking after paying a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Muguti expressed satisfaction with th Minister’s support for Edgars. He also emphasized the government’s stance on banning second-hand clothing and urged other provinces to follow suit.
“Edgars is back and stronger than ever, with a significant number of outfits now being manufactured locally. This is incredibly encouraging for the Government, particularly the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Devolution and the President’s Cabinet. The fact that a single factory can produce three thousand outfits per day demonstrates the remarkable resurgence of Zimbabwe’s manufacturing capacity.
This industry has long been stifled by the influx of second-hand clothing. As a government, we have taken decisive action by banning the importation of second-hand clothing. My office has issued directives to all provinces to immediately confiscate any such items. Since December, we have been actively implementing this policy, with all confiscated clothing being destroyed at hospital incinerators. We cannot compromise on measures that will revitalize the Zimbabwean economy,” he added.
Muguti highlighted Edgars’ growing manufacturing capacity, with one factory producing 3,000 garments daily. He further encouraged Zimbabweans to explore opportunities in denim manufacturing, as the country currently has no denim factories despite its popularity.