GAZA CITY — In the Old City of Gaza, Levi's, Adidas and many other brand names are on display at the largest secondhand shop in the impoverished coastal enclave. Such popular labels are only available at this market, Fras, as the majority in Palestinians in Gaza cannot afford them new but nonetheless still desire them. The Fras Market introduced Palestinians in Gaza to international brands. The goods there are mostly brought in from Israel, and the majority of the brands are Israeli, with a few American and European labels mixed in.

Abu Muhammad Abu Kheir has been a clothes retailer at Fras for more than 15 years. He is satisfied with his work, given the considerable flow of customers. “Although the majority of my customers are poor, I have many well-off customers who regularly come and ask for specific brands,” Abu Kheir told Al-Monitor at his modest shop.

The prices at Abu Kheir’s outlet range from $1 to $10 for secondhand original brands. His prices are considered high compared with those before Israel tightened its siege of Gaza in 2007, after which exports to Gaza ceased until 2010. As a consequence, Israeli traders turned to other countries. After exporting resumed, Gaza traders had to adjust to the new, higher prices.

“Before 2007, I used to buy a ton of clothes for $1,000, now I get them for more than $2,000. This has affected my work, of course,” explained Abu Kheir.