GRAND RAPIDS MI. Springtime means a clean out of the closets and a refreshing of the wardrobe.
Many clothes end up in landfills because people throw away clothing. However, there are options to reduce access pollution and be more fashionably sustainable. One option is resale.
Matt Bouman, owner and operator of Michigan’s only Uptown cheapskate resale shops located in Grandville or Kentwood, stated that “Fashion is second most important producer of groundwater pollution.” “Most people don’t realize this because of the amount of water required and the dyes involved. It takes a lot water to create clothes. One pair of jeans takes over 3,700 liters water.
According to a report by a, the fashion industry is one of most significant polluters in the globe. It pollutes groundwater and fills landfills. It also accounts for approximately 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emission. 2019 World Bank Report.
The newest fashion trend is to put the earth first.
Bouman said, “Sustainable Fashion, that’s all we care about.” “Resale shopping will increase by 50% over the next five year,” Bouman said. That’s why we’re here. To give people the opportunity to give their clothes another life, get cash, or make new items.
Uptown Cheapskate functions in the same way as popular online resale sites Poshmark, Depop and ThredUp.
Resale shops purchase and resell many brands, from affordable and trendy to high end designer.
“We are a place for people to bring in their clothes and sell them to us. We pay cash on-the-spot, cash or store credit. Bouman said that they want to make a difference in the world. We are a great place where you can recycle clothes. Clothing is a lifecycle. We want to extend this lifecycle and help people get rid of their clothes.
According to a 2021 Resale ReportThredUp says that the younger generation is driving secondhand shopping’s rise.
According to the report, 33 million people will buy secondhand apparel in 2020. 76% of these consumers plan to increase their secondhand purchases over the next five year.
The secondhand market will reach $77 billion by then.
Bouman said, “It’s all just driven a by the demand over 10 years.” “Resale shopping is up 75%. It is leading growth in terms the type of shopping. It has even outpaced online shopping over the last five year and it is expected that it will continue to grow. People want to do more.
Doing better, one item at a.
Bouman said, “We’re just really trying our best.” “To give people a chance to not place their clothes in the garbage and be able find great stuff in our stores.”
If a clothes-skate in Uptown doesn’t buy it, they will either recycle it or donate it to Mel Trotter.
Vendors may expect to receive 25 to 35 percent of their original price. However, certain designer and high-end brands are worth more.
A Uptown Cheapskate employee will survey your items and give you a quote.
The newest Kentwood store will open in May at 2901 28th St SE Kentwood MI 49512
Grandville’s location is at 4693 Wilson Ave SW Ste A Grandville MI 49418.