Salman Al-Silmy Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — Expatriates from African countries and Bangladesh are taking over the used furniture and home appliances market in Makkah and turned the trade into a profitable street market. A source told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that expats collect discarded furniture and home appliances from junkyards, in front of houses and hotels and sell them for high profit. He said: “They have Saudi and non-Saudi customers who are either from Makkah or they come into the city just to buy cheap furniture. “The demolitions happening lately increased their inventory, growing their market.” The source also said these street sellers do not only collect furniture but ceramic and marble, air conditioners, doors, windows, electrical appliances and more. “Al-Mansour Street, Al-Tandabawi and Al-Nakasah are the most crowded areas in Makkah with used furniture and home appliances sellers. “A used air conditioner is estimated to be worth SR300 but the street sellers are selling it for SR700. “Doors are being sold for SR200, giving these sellers a 100 percent profit.” The source added although their actions are illegal, no one is intervening from the authorities. “To be fair, there aren't any customers complaining about this market. “The trade is growing due the obvious need of society, especially in the midst of unpredicted fires and demolitions.”
