Second‑hand Clothing Stores (Fripe) See a Surge in Tunisia, Attracting a Wide Range of Customers from Modest Classes to Affluent Families
Sahbi Mellawi, president of the National Trade Union Chamber of Second‑hand Clothing Merchants, told Express FM on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, that interest in fripe has grown markedly in recent years, especially during holiday periods. He noted that the past three days have recorded very strong commercial activity, with a noticeable rise in foot traffic to specialised stores.
Mellawi also urged retailers of new clothing to adjust their prices to citizens’ purchasing power, emphasizing that second‑hand garments provide an affordable solution for all social categories.
Prices in fripe shops vary according to the quality of the items. A typical “Eid outfit” costs between 20 and 150 Tunisian dinars, allowing families to buy clothing that fits their budget. The stores also offer winter and mid‑season garments, meeting the diverse needs of consumers.
According to Mellawi, about 40 % of shoppers now turn to second‑hand stores—a phenomenon he describes as a “double‑edged sword”: it satisfies citizens’ needs and serves every social layer while remaining competitive against brand‑new clothing.
This booming market highlights the growing importance of fripe in the daily lives of Tunisians and its role in managing purchasing power amid a strained economic context.
