
As witnessed by the turbulent, yet unstoppable spread of capitalism around
the world, many in the newly capitalist areas are anxious to gain access to goods
enjoyed by their privileged ‘first world’ cousins. This material desire
combined with modest purchasing power has spawned GLOBAL
GARAGE SALES: rich countries selling off excess, second-hand goods
to newly capitalist neighbours.
Poland is a good example: in 1991, immediately after shedding its communist past,
Poles bought more than 300,000 used cars in nearby Western European countries
(source: Warsaw Voice). Most of the cars were more than 10 years old, often damaged
and recycled from accidents. Another popular practice was importing Western European
vehicles in parts.
How long will such GLOBAL GARAGE SALES
last? Well, 10 years later, in 2001, Poland came seventh in Europe in new car
sales, ahead of more affluent countries such as Switzerland, Sweden and Belgium.
And with Poland likely to join the EU in 2004, Poles may soon be holding their
own garage sales for nearby Ukrainians, Bulgarians and Romanians looking for affordable
Western goods.
Opportunities exist everywhere: China, Mexico, and second
phase EU-hopefuls are more than likely to be happy garage
sale shoppers for cars, electronics, furniture, CDs, toys...
Until they start hosting their own sales in 5 to 10 years
time. >>
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For a related trend description, see RESORT REBIRTH.


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