Trade, consumption and safety of second-hand clothing in the Cape Coast metropolis

Abstract

This survey explored the second-hand clothing trade, consumption and safety in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to identify the kinds of second-hand clothing sold on the markets; identify the most patronized second-hand clothing by consumers in Cape Coast, explain why second-hand clothing trade and consumption were booming, and assess the effectiveness of safety treatments given to second-hand clothing before sale and usage in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Views were sampled from 110 respondents (100 consumers and 10 traders) selected by purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and observation checklist. The quantitative data generated frequencies and percentages using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in charts and tables. The qualitative data gathered from interview and observation checklist were analyzed in themes that reflected the objectives of the study. In-text quotations and direct quotes from the respondents were used to present the qualitative data. The study revealed that 90% each of brassieres, boxer shorts, dresses, blouses and towels were the most commonly sold followed by 80% each for shirts, T-shirts, footwear and bags, bedsheets (70%) and jackets (60%). Shirts (89%), dresses (81%), towels (77%), T shirts (76%) and footwear (71%) were the most patronized second-hand clothing. Durability (100%) and price (100%) were main factors that guided consumer purchases while traders were mainly motivated by profitability (100%); ease of entry in the business (100%); affordability of taxes (90%); and lack of government regulatory restrictions (90%). Washing (89%), pressing/ironing (76%) and removal of stain (73%) were the main treatment practices performed by consumers before use, while traders sorted out the second-hand clothing items into categories before sale (90%) and repaired/altered second-hand clothing (50%) often than washing (20%) and ironing (10%). Use of gloves and nose and mouth masks were not observed. Both consumers and traders expressed that washing, removal of stains, sun drying and ironing were enough to ensure safety in handling and use of second-hand clothing. The trade was lucrative and the consumers found the products satisfactory, hence the need to focus more attention on issues of second-hand clothing trade regulations and monitoring while encouraging both traders and consumers to observe safety measures in the handling and usage of second-hand clothing.