Topics Bindura closes down

By Marsha Sengwe

TOPICS Bindura has closed down and the building they have been operating from has been taken over by flea market operators. One of the clothing retail shops’ former employees said the company was no longer able to afford rentals as the monthly sales were always below their rentals. Many premium clothing retail outlets have closed shop across the country, mainly due to second hand clothes sold on the streets in competition with retail shops who have many other obligations.

Other brands that closed shop recently include Truworths, House of Kumali, Greaterman’s and Clicks. They all cited unbearable cost of doing business. Other clothing retail outlets, Edgars and Jet, are trimming their branches and workforce across the country.

Where most of these chain clothing retail outlets have closed shop, their buildings are being taken over by flea market operators who go to Tanzania and Zambia to buy cheap imitations of celebrated clothing labels for sale.

Businesses into plastic ware including ceramic cups and plates are also taking up space in these former clothing shops.

Another Topics former employee acknowledged the power of second hand clothes dealers whom he said had the “advantage” of selling original clothes and labels. Zimbabweans, currently battling low disposable incomes, are opting to buy clothes from runners or second hand clothes’ dealers. Second hand clothes shops are selling clothes at negotiable prices.