Dakar 2026

Thrift and second-hand shops in Dakar: where to go

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Feug jaay markets, curated thrift boutiques and used books: where to shop second-hand in Dakar, what to budget, how to bargain and why to wash before wearing.

Thrift and second-hand shops in Dakar: a practical guide

Looking for affordable clothes, a one-off vintage find or a more sustainable way to shop? In Dakar, thrift shopping, known locally as feug jaay in Wolof, is part of everyday life for countless families. From sprawling open-air markets to curated second-hand boutiques, here is where to go, what to budget and how to come home with real bargains. You can also browse our list of shops and retailers in Dakar to compare options.

Feug jaay: how second-hand works in Senegal

Used clothing reaches the port of Dakar in large compressed bales shipped from Europe, North America and Asia. Traders buy them sealed and open them in front of customers. This "bale opening" is the big moment: early birds get first pick of the best items. After that, stock is sorted by quality and prices drop as the days go by.

Feug jaay goes well beyond clothes. You will find shoes, bags, bed linen, curtains, toys and sometimes designer labels. For many Dakar households, it is simply the smartest way to dress the whole family before the school year or Tabaski without blowing the budget.

Where to shop: big markets and curated boutiques

Open-air markets. Colobane is the historic heart of Dakar's thrift scene, with narrow lanes and stalls as far as the eye can see. Thiaroye market near Pikine, plus the markets of Guédiawaye, Keur Massar and Parcelles Assainies, are also busy hubs. Expect roughly 300 to 2,000 FCFA for a T-shirt or shirt, a little more for jeans or a jacket.

Curated thrift boutiques. In Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur, Point E, Ouakam and Almadies, a growing number of shops sell pre-sorted items that are washed, ironed and often arranged by size. Prices usually range from 2,500 to 15,000 FCFA per piece depending on brand and condition. You pay more, but you save time and can try things on comfortably.

Second-hand books. The Plateau district is home to several booksellers and book stalls, especially along the main avenues. Novels, school textbooks and comics typically sell for 500 to 3,000 FCFA, which makes a real difference at back-to-school time.

Choosing well and bargaining

  • Go early, especially on bale-opening days. Selection is best before noon, and the heat is easier to handle.
  • Check every item in daylight: stains, holes, zips, underarm seams and shoe soles.
  • Bargain with a smile. The first price almost always leaves room to negotiate. Greeting the seller in Wolof, taking your time and buying several items from one stall all help.
  • Carry small notes of 1,000 and 2,000 FCFA, and bring a reusable bag.
  • Keep your belongings close in crowded markets such as Colobane.

For more tactics, read our guide on how to haggle at Dakar markets.

Wash before you wear

Second-hand clothes have travelled a long way and usually sat in warehouses. Always wash them before wearing: 60 °C for cotton and household linen, with a splash of white vinegar to remove odours. Delicate pieces do well with a hand wash and a few hours drying in the sun. Clean shoes with soapy water, then disinfect them. No washing machine? Neighbourhood laundries in Liberté 6, Yoff or Mermoz offer the service at reasonable rates.

Second-hand as sustainable fashion

Buying pre-owned extends the life of a garment and cuts textile waste. Many young Dakar designers rework thrift pieces with a local twist, adding wax print or bazin details. A neighbourhood tailor can take in trousers or shorten a dress for a few thousand francs. If you also want new pieces, check out the best fashion boutiques in Dakar.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

To find more shops, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the cheapest thrift clothes in Dakar?

Popular markets such as Colobane, Thiaroye and those in Pikine and Guédiawaye have the lowest prices, often a few hundred francs per item. Be ready to dig through piles and negotiate.

Should I wash second-hand clothes before wearing them?

Yes, always. A 60 °C wash for cotton, or a gentle hand wash for delicate items, removes dust, odours and any unwanted guests.

Can I buy second-hand books in Dakar?

Yes. The Plateau has several booksellers and stalls selling used books, a good option for novels and school textbooks on a budget.