In a world dominated by global retail giants, Egyptians are increasingly turning their attention to a more local, personalized shopping experience. Whether it’s scouring thrift shops (known as wekalat El Balah or “the date market” in Egypt), perusing social media pages of upcoming local designers, or exploring the vibrant offerings of homegrown brands, this new generation of shoppers is finding joy, creativity, and a sense of community in their pursuit of fashion. Rahma Mohsen, a 27-year-old journalist, has embraced the thrill of thrift shopping. “Thrift shopping has been a more interesting experience for me,” she shares. “It has provided me with a variety of options and made it financially easier. But what makes it really interesting is the journey itself and the feeling of accomplishment when you find something so cool to wear after looking for hours and hours.” Rahma’s excitement is obvious as she describes the hunt for hidden gems, the satisfaction of unearthing a unique piece, and the satisfaction of giving new life to pre-loved items. For 25-year-old PR specialist Rola Yasser, the experience of shopping at local brands’ stores and social media pages has been a delightful…
The Thrill of the Hunt: How Egyptians Are Embracing the Local Retail Revolution
July 16, 2024
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
