With much of the world moving towards a more sustainable future, op shopping and buying pre-loved clothing is becoming more popular, as Tatura Regional Rummage organiser Nicole Morse would know.
“It’s on the incline because, well, there’s the sustainability factor, but the stigma is not what it used to be about pre-loved clothing,” she said.
“People are realising they can find really unique, cool stuff and create their own style instead of keeping up with the fast fashion companies.
“It’s cheap and becoming more accessible and helps with the circular fashion movement, and the younger generation are more in tune with it and want to work towards it.”
According to the 2021 thredUP Resale Report, over 40% of Millennials and Gen Z had shopped at second-hand apparel, shoes or accessories stores in the previous 12 months.
This growth has continued over time with the report from 2019 saying that between 2017 and 2019 fashion resales grew 21 times faster then traditional retail.
This growth has encouraged Miss Morse’s passion for pre-loved clothing from which she has created a second-hand clothing market, the Tatura Regional Rummage, which will be taking place this Sunday, April 3.
“I’ve always been interested in fashion, and being a uni student funds were tight trying to find ways to save money,” Miss Morse said.
“I had lots of clothes myself that I wanted to get some return because I invested money into them and started op shopping and finding it frustrating that op shops had limited opening hours when I was working.”
She started the Tatura Regional Rummage at the end of 2020, but it had to be postponed several times due to COVID-19. However, she’s now up to her third market after successfully holding two last year.
This market will have 45 booths, with various people selling second-hand clothing, and there will be live music and a food truck available.
Entry to the event is by gold coin donation, which will be donated to a charity chosen in a poll Miss Morse has created on the event’s Instagram, which is soon to be announced.