Retail paradise: Lahore's Bargain Basement Sale boasts 126 brands

The Fundraisers' ‘Bargain Basement Sale’ (BBS) is steadily becoming a sought-after-event for fashionmongers in Lahore.

The event sees ladies flock to the venue to pick up designer clothing, home accessories and the like at slashed down prices – all for a good cause.

Since its launch in 2005, the event has not only grown in size, but its content has also improved with a larger selection of merchandise to choose from.

In addition to supporting important charitable causes, BBS also cultivates the notion of Corporate Social Responsibility in local brands.

Past, present, future: Organiser Nuria Rafique shares BBS' journey

In a conversation with Images, philanthropist Nuria Rafique of The Fundraisers shares her organisation's achievements over the years and talks about the latest edition of BBS taking place on Sunday.

“The sale has definitely grown as brands have come to realize that the money is being put to good use,” says Rafique, “The brand pool has increased to 126 this year from 70 of last year. I feel it has become easier to get designers on board now.”

Having raised PKR 2.6 million last year, this year’s sale is looking at raising an even more substantial amount for the charities it is supporting.

“People have now started viewing BBS as a brand and we have been working very hard at making it into one so that people feel even more comfortable shopping and donating to our causes,” continues Rafique, “but we are just delighted to see how people from the community have come forward to not only donating their merchandise but time, effort and space to make this event a reality.”

With The Nishat donating its venue and Lotus PR taking The Fundraisers on as a pro bono client, the organisers are looking at a more streamlined exhibition this year.

“What has happened after last year's success is that this year people are coming forward themselves instead of us having to ask for donations and that for us is success in itself,” Rafique shares.

The organization will be supporting, Pink Ribbon Pakistan, Rising Stars, UCH Sharif, Bali Memorial Trust and Chitral Relief this year.

“Different charities have a difficult time raising money on their own, so this in turn helps them raise sufficient funds,” Rafique explains.

Apart from the usual fashion finds, customers this year can expect a wider range of products including diamond jewelry, furniture, art, pieces by Prerto and Soma Jewelry, along with a gorgeous Bunto Kazmi outfit up for auction.

“Throughout the day, celebrities such as Meesha Shafi and Juggan Kazim will make appearances and auction off items,” Rafique added.

With plans for expansion in the pipeline, The Fundraisers are not only starting Karachi and Islamabad chapters but are also looking into an e-store. Rafique explains that the store will feature designated causes and the customer will be able to select the cause to which they wish to donate at the checkout.

Rafique elaborates, "Each cause will have subsequent charities under it and those charities will get the revenue of the sales made.”

For now, Lahore can grab a bargain at this year's edition of BBS. With an early bird admission fee of PKR1000 between 12pm-3pm and a slashed down subsequent fee of PKR500 from 3pm-6pm, the Bargain Basement Sale is set to open on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at The Nishat in Lahore.