Factory-reject clothing is very popular in Durban because it is cheap, fashionable and often almost perfect. These clothes come from factories or stores and have small issues like a loose thread, a tiny stain, or a stitching line that is not straight. In most cases, the problem is so small that no one will even notice it. That is why many people buy factory rejects to save money or to start small clothing businesses.
If you are looking for places in Durban where you can find factory rejects, this long and detailed guide will help you. It explains where to shop, how to check the quality, how to bargain, and what to expect when buying these items.
What Are Factory-Reject Clothes?
Factory-reject clothes, also called “seconds,” “B-grade,” or “factory imperfections,” are items that did not pass full quality checks. The faults are usually small and easy to fix. Some examples include:
- A small hole near a seam
- A loose thread that needs trimming
- A button that needs sewing
- A zip that gets stuck
- A tiny mark or spot
- A slight sewing line error
- Wrong label or wrong size tag
Even though these clothes have small issues, they are still new and unused. Because the errors are minor, the items are sold at much cheaper prices. This makes them perfect for budget-conscious shoppers and people who want to resell clothing.
Why Durban Is a Good Place to Buy Factory Rejects
Durban is known for its busy markets, wholesale centres, factory shops, and large coastal trading routes. Many importers bring clothing through Durban’s port, so the city naturally has a strong clothing resale culture. You can find:
- Imported factory seconds
- Local factory rejects
- Store returns
- Mixed bales
- Brand-name outlet items
Durban is also full of informal traders who rely on affordable stock, so there are many places where you can find good bargains.
1. Markets in the Durban City Centre
The city centre is one of the best places to start. Durban’s markets are vibrant, busy, and full of traders who sell clothing at affordable prices. The most popular area is the Markets of Warwick, also known as Warwick Junction.
What you can find at Warwick Junction:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Jeans and denim jackets
- Dresses and skirts
- Baby clothes and children’s wear
- Branded factory rejects (sometimes)
- Bulk or bundle deals
Warwick is especially good if you want streetwear, casual clothing, and low-priced fashion. It is also one of the best places to practise bargaining.
Tips for shopping in the city centre:
- Go early when the market is less busy.
- Keep your phone and bag safe.
- Walk around before buying — prices vary.
- Ask the seller if you can inspect the clothes closely.
- Pay cash for the best price.
2. Springfield Park / China City (Wholesale & Bulk Areas)
Springfield Park is a well-known area for retail and wholesale traders. Many shops import clothing in bulk and sell it at low prices. Inside Springfield, one of the busiest places is China City, also called China Mall.
What you can expect at China City:
- Wholesale prices
- Clothing bundles
- Factory seconds
- Sneakers, jeans, and T-shirts
- Dresses, jackets, and sportswear
- Shops that sell stock in bulk for reselling
China City is ideal if you want to start a small business or if you are looking for variety at a good price. You can buy one item or several pieces at once.
Advantages of shopping in Springfield Park:
- Many shops in one place
- Large range of clothing styles
- Bulk discounts
- Easy to compare quality
- Popular for business owners
3. Factory Outlet Stores in Durban
Factory outlet stores sell brand-name clothing at lower prices. These items come from:
- Overstock
- End-of-season stock
- Slightly imperfect stock
- Display items
- Old packaging
Durban has several factory shops, especially around Springfield Value Centre, Umgeni Road, and certain industrial areas.
What brands you might find:
- Sports brands
- Local fashion labels
- International brand seconds
- Urban and casual wear
Factory outlets are the best choice if you want affordable branded clothing without the high mall prices.
4. Online Platforms and Facebook Groups
If you prefer shopping from home, you can find factory rejects through online sellers. Durban has many people who sell through:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local Facebook buy-and-sell groups
- WhatsApp catalogues
- Gumtree sellers
Sellers often post photos, prices, and descriptions. Some sell single pieces, while others offer small bundles or bales.
Online buying tips:
- Ask for clear photos of the front, back, and labels.
- Ask what type of defect the item has.
- Meet in a public place if collecting in person.
- Ask if there is a refund or exchange policy.
- Check seller reviews or comments if possible.
Online shopping gives you more options, and it is especially helpful if you don’t want to travel around the city.
5. Wholesalers That Sell Clothing Bales
If you want to start a business selling clothes, you might consider buying bales. A bale is a large, compressed bundle of clothing. These bales usually contain:
- Factory rejects
- Store returns
- Mixed clothing styles
- Assorted brands
- Random sizes
Bales can be extremely cost-effective, especially if you are reselling. However, you need to understand that the quality inside a bale can vary.
Pros of buying clothing bales:
- Very cheap per item
- Good profit opportunity
- Many styles in one bundle
- Good for flea markets and street stalls
Cons of buying clothing bales:
- You cannot choose items inside
- Some pieces may need repairs
- Sizes may be mixed
- Quality can vary a lot
Tip:
Always buy a sample bale first to test the quality before buying several.
6. Small Local Shops That Sell Rejects
Across Durban, especially in neighbourhood shopping centres, you can find small stores that specialise in “seconds,” “factory rejects,” or “B-grade clothing.” These shops often work directly with factories and wholesalers.
Where you might find these small shops:
- Umgeni Road
- Berea Road
- Pinetown
- Phoenix
- Umlazi
- Chatsworth
- Bluff
- Durban CBD side streets
These shops are great if you want to find hidden gems at a good price.
How to Inspect Clothing Before You Buy
To avoid disappointment, always check the clothing carefully.
1. Look for faults
Check zips, buttons, seams, hems, and stains.
2. Feel the fabric
If it feels too thin, worn, or damaged, skip it.
3. Check the size
Sizes can be incorrect on reject items — try them on when possible.
4. Ask the seller
Ask what grade the item is (A, B, or C grade).
5. Compare with other items
If the fault is too big, look for a better piece.
6. Test zips and buttons
Open and close zips a few times to check if they work smoothly.
How to Bargain and Get the Best Price
Durban sellers usually expect some bargaining. Here are tips:
- Be friendly and polite — it works better.
- Ask for a discount if buying more than one item.
- Walk around first to know the average price.
- Carry cash — it gives you more power to negotiate.
- Ask the seller, “What is your best price?”
Safety Tips When Shopping for Factory Rejects
- Keep your bag zipped and secure in busy areas.
- Avoid carrying too much cash at once.
- Use public spaces for online meetups.
- Always wash clothes before wearing them.
- Be careful of sellers with unclear or suspicious stock sources.
Why Buying Factory Rejects Is Worth It
Many shoppers in Durban love factory rejects because:
- They are much cheaper than mall clothes.
- You can find unique items not sold in stores.
- Starting a business becomes affordable.
- The quality is often surprisingly good.
- It encourages recycling and reducing waste.
Whether you buy for personal use or business, factory rejects offer excellent value.
Conclusion
Durban is one of the best places in South Africa to buy factory-reject clothing. From the busy Markets of Warwick to the wholesale shops in Springfield Park, from online sellers to small neighbourhood stores, there are many options for every budget. By knowing where to shop and how to check quality, you can find amazing clothing at very low prices.
Start with a small budget, explore different areas, and always inspect items carefully. With time, you will learn which places offer the best deals — and you may even turn your shopping into a profitable business.