RECYCLE BOUTIQUE IN THE CITY

80,000 consignors, 349,000 items sold, 310,000 items donated nationwide.

Since opening its second Christchurch store at 255 St Asaph Street in Little High Lanes, second-hand consignment store Recycle Boutique has been flooded with positive support and patronage from the Ōtautahi community.

With its tenth store expected to open in Mount Maunganui, following the Christchurch launch, the national chain reached new heights recently with over 80,000 consignors, an estimated 349,000 items sold, and 310,000 items donated to support local charities.

“We help make quality designer clothing accessible and affordable – offering people a more sustainable way to shop,” says Mark Cowie, the general manager. “Waste is a very real problem in the world right now and the textile industry is one of the biggest polluters of our environment. There needs to be a big shift in the way we shop, and we think Recycle is that shift. Selling and shopping second-hand is a great way to reduce your wardrobe. With us, it also means you get paid to be a part of the solution.”

Mark notes that the growing success of Recycle Boutique relies on the community of people who sell on behalf with them. “People are much more in tune with the sustainable fashion movement, now more than ever, and we’re proud to be part of this community of buyers and sellers.”

Items are sold on behalf of individuals, who bring in their high-quality clothing and accessories they no longer want. Clothing is on sale instore for a seven-week period with an option for any unaccepted stock or unsold items to be donated to local charities. Once sold, consignors receive 50 per cent of the sale price. There are specific guidelines around accepted items, for example, they must be suitable for the current season, good quality, and on-trend – unless vintage.

The folks from Recycle Boutique say that this new store has particular significance to them. The store site is part of a restoration project, which has been closed off since the earthquakes. “We believe in the recovery of central Christchurch and it’s important for us to take this opportunity to back it,” says owner, Nick Harvie.

The central city team is eagerly looking forward to the winter months and being able to provide people with an alternative to fast fashion in the city centre.

recycleboutique.co.nz