Glasgow businesses launch new fashion project for Secondhand September
The Fair Fashion Collective is celebrating the launch of its new sustainable fashion quarter tonight.
Last updated 1st Sep 2023
A group of businesses in Glasgow's southside are hoping to encourage people to shop more sustainably.
The Fair Fashion Collective has come together to make shopping for secondhand clothes more accessible.
The seven local businesses are all within a five-minute walk and create a sustainable fashion network for all ages.
ApparelXchange, Bam Glasgow, Bawn Textiles, Merry-go-round, Rags to Riches, Seamster Vintage and Second Cashmere all offer something different and cater to a wide audience.
More choice
Sam Moir, owner of Merry-go-round, a baby and maternity store, says it’s all about giving people more practical choices to shop consciously.
She said: “Once somebody has one positive experience of buying secondhandclothes, they’ll think that was great. It was cheaper, it was a better environmental option and I’m getting something a little bit different from what everyone else is wearing in the high street.
“So, once they’ve had that they’ll go and buy more and it’s all about giving people those choices and making it a positive experience.”
The founding members will host an event to mark the start of their project and Secondhand September.
Secondhand September
Moir says that the ethos behind the month mirrors the sustainable environment they’re trying to create in Glasgow.
She added: “Secondhand September is just a really good way for everyone to collectively talk about second hand.
“It’s just a bit of a reminder really, that if you’re going to shop in September and buy something new for yourself, well, you could be doing it secondhand.
“We thought it was a great opportunity to launch the collective by having it start on the first of September and to also highlight the benefits of shopping secondhand this month.”
As small businesses, the collective is passionate about inclusive and affordable fashion, especially with the current economic crisis.
Making a difference
Izzie Eriksen, founding director, wants to work with the community to make a difference.
She said: “The retail climate is difficult at the moment and reaching customers across Glasgow is challenging especially with very limited marketing capacity.
“The fair fashion collective is bringing a shared profile which will benefit us all and we hope to expand the collective to include more local fair businesses.”
The founders of the project will showcase their work, products and services tonight as they celebrate the start of the new sustainable fashion quarter.
They have invited members of the community to join them at The Cooperage (674 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow) between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.