With the bad economic circumstances in Egypt nowadays, the used products market has expanded and can be found almost everywhere. These products are not attractive to the poor and middle classes in the society only, the high and rich class also frequents the used product market. Wekalet el-Balah and Souq el-Gomaa are examples of the used products markets for the poor. On the other hand, the used markets for the high class are called “el-barghout" or Cairo Family Market. Souq el-Gomaa (Friday market) as the name suggests, got its name because it takes place every Friday, and can be found between the areas of Imam Shafia and Sayyeda Aisha in old Cairo. It is considered one of the oldest markets and is stocked with goods of all kinds from clothes, furniture, and electrical equipment to pet animals. “The used products markets are a new phenomenon in our country. Its appearance means that there is a change in peoples thoughts," Aia Sheded, one of the organisers of el-Barghout market, told The Egyptian Gazette. “El-Barghout exists in the whole world. It sells used goods and antiques. Any housewife can offer things that are useless for her but are in good condition," She added. “Many of us have clothes that we may use only once or twice. They can sell them and buy other goods which they need," Omaima Hassan, a housewife, said. “If we have things that are no longer needed, there are others who probably need them. I offer my old clothes that are beautiful and in good condition in the famous mall at 6th October City. “El-Barghout market held for the third time in January at the courtyard of known malls on the desert road. The idea of the exhibition attracted more customers from October and Sheikh Zayed, and also from other areas such as Heliopolis, and Maadi," Aia Sheded explained. “El-Barghout market is unlike Wekalet el-Balah because there are places for children to play while their parents shop," Ms Eman el-Kassas, a teacher, told the same paper. According to Sheded, there is set of caveats for the exhibitors. For example, showing underwear is not allowed and fake products are not also allowed. “Another example is that girls' brands originally priced at LE5,000 are available in these markets for LE1,000 or less," Sheded. “The organisers do not expect the used product market to be such a success. They were surprised products to find items such as video cassettes and kids games. There was even a woman offering a gramophone for her grandparents," Sheded said happily. “I hope that the market becomes accessible in all malls and in public gardens or in the clubs. It is a good idea because it saves more of our income," Fatima Hassan from October City told the same newspaper. “High prices of clothes revive the trade for the second-hand clothes, which are accepted by people in all Egyptian governorates," Mona Hamed, mother of four girls, said. “I bought clothes for my girls in good condition and saved a lot of money. I will come every month to el-Barghout market. It is new and wonderful idea,' Hamed added.
