What is ukay ukay in english?

Ukay-ukay is a popular type of thrift store in the Philippines that sells second-hand clothing, footwear, bags, and accessories at a significantly lower price than brand new items. It originated from the Filipino term "hukay," which means to dig or excavate. Ukay-ukay stores make use of this term because they typically acquire their items through the excavation of piles of used clothing shipped from other countries.

These goods are usually imported from developed countries like the United States, Japan, and South Korea. They are usually pre-loved items sold in American garage sales, flea markets, or thrift shops. Once they reach the Philippines, they are sorted, washed, and repaired before being sold in ukay-ukay stores.

Ukay-ukay is popular in the Philippines because of its affordability and unique selection of clothing items that are not typically found in mainstream retail stores. It is also considered sustainable fashion because it prolongs the lifespan of clothing items that would otherwise end up in landfills.

However, some ukay-ukay stores have been criticized for their sanitary conditions and the sale of counterfeit items. As such, the Philippine government has introduced regulations to ensure that ukay-ukay stores follow safety and hygiene standards, as well as monitor the origin of their merchandise.