By Reem Pandapatan
MSU Intern
UKAY-ukay shopping has long been known for being budget-friendly, especially in Cogon, Cagayan de Oro, where secondhand finds were once sold for as little as P10 to P50.
Shoppers used to easily score tops for P20, skirts for P30, and jackets for P50. It was a go-to destination for students, workers, and anyone looking for affordable fashion.
But recently, many Cogon shoppers have noticed a sharp increase in prices, making it harder to find cheap deals.
These days, when new bales or fresh stocks arrive, prices often spike. Some vendors now sell branded shirts or jeans for P150 to P300 or more.
It’s no longer surprising to see ukay-ukay jackets priced at P500 or higher, especially if they’re branded or in good condition. Many vendors tag new arrivals with steep prices, and items don’t go on sale until weeks later.
One shopper said, “Dati, nakakabili ako ng dress sa halagang P50. Ngayon, pareho lang, P300 na agad pag bagong display.”
Still, there are moments when ukay-ukay shopping feels affordable — usually during clearance sales.
Some vendors in Cogon drop prices later in the evening, with items going for P20 to P50 to clear out old stock. Shoppers who are patient and willing to dig through piles can still score bargains, but they have to wait for end-of-batch markdowns.
One of the main reasons behind the rising prices is the growing presence of online resellers. Many resellers now buy ukay-ukay items in bulk — especially branded or rare pieces — then flip them online at much higher prices, sometimes P750 to P1,000 for a single shirt.
This has made it harder for regular shoppers to find affordable pieces in physical ukay-ukay stores.
Other sellers are also capitalizing on the growing thrift trend. Vintage and Y2K fashion has become popular again, especially among younger buyers who are willing to pay more for unique, standout pieces.
Some shoppers are frustrated, saying ukay-ukay has lost its original appeal. Others blame social media trends and online shops that hoard the best pieces before they even hit the racks.
Some locals even say it’s cheaper to buy preloved items directly from individual sellers online.
Still, for those who enjoy hunting for affordable fashion, there are ways to work around the high prices. Many recommend avoiding new arrivals, setting a strict budget, and shopping later in the day.
In Cogon, patience is key.
The thrill of ukay-ukay isn’t gone — it just takes more effort now.
