American Apparel Flea Market

Crowds queue outside the American Apparel flea market, where clothes were selling for as little as £1. The clothing chain is known for its lo-fi, stylish take on retro sportswear Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Jason Grandison, 19, student:
"I was queueing at 7.30am. I've spent £44 today. My favourite buy was this initials T-shirt, which was only £9" Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Catherine Phillips, 23, student:
"I arrived at 9am and was let in quite quickly. The disco pants (high waisted shiny trousers) are the main reason I came and they're sold out! I previously paid £70 for a pair but wanted to get some of the other colours here as they're reduced to £15. They seem to have sold out of all of the good stuff, which is a shame" Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

The flea market took place in the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Andy Crawford, 18 and Katy Crawford, 21
Andy: "I mainly came to look for cheap shirts but they're all sold out. I still ended up spending £60 on jumpers, hoodies and trousers." Katy: "I've spent about £80 today. In a regular American Apparel store you'd get hardly anything for that amount and you feel worse for spending that much. I've managed to get loads of things, from skirts to hoodies." Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Many shoppers had been braving the cold since 7am to bargain hunt. Bagels and cups of coffee were handed out to the crowd Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Sam Prendergast, 22, roofer, and Sean Folan, 23, student
"We've been here since 9am. We're mainly looking for shirts and vests, we would normally pay full price for them instore but couldn't pass up a bargain like this. We've spent about £70 altogether." Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

The American Apparel hoodie, known for its trademark white drawstrings, was one of the most widely stocked items at the flea market Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Jermaine Robinson, 17, fashion editor at Live Magazine:
"I've spent about £65 today. I mainly came to buy some hoodies - they're so overpriced at £40 but they're only £16 now" Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

A group of A-level students sort through a pile of clothes. Many shoppers indiscriminately grabbed items before examining and trying them on on the warehouse floor Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Jason Pitcaithly-Hill, 23:
"I got here at 8.30am. I mainly came for hoodies and jumpers. They're usually way too expensive, I'd normally rather go to Primark." Photograph: David Levene/David Levene

Caroline Whitaker, 17, student:
"I've been here since 7am with my friends. I'm so happy I found this 3D rose jumper as I've wanted it forever - it's only £10 down from £70." Photograph: David Levene/David Levene