Selectively Juggling

I had always dreamt of owning a second-hand (thrift store), not just a run of mill kinda store, but one that could act as a sort of community hub. I envisaged having a reader’s nook, where people could sit and read, maybe connect with others over a coffee. I would have a small cafe attached, selling my homemade gluten-free and predominantly vegan goodies (yes, they can be delicious). The shop is filled with the faint smells of lavender, cookies and coffee. The cafe is located in a small corner of the store, preferably nearest the front window, where streams of light filter through. Shoppers can watch the world passing by while sipping their tea or coffee. There is a window seat, above which are hanging macrame-hung pot plants. They add colour and ambience to the space. The lighting is fresh and unobtrusive, so those with sensory sensitivities can shop in comfort. Locally sourced music plays softly in the background, further creating a warm and welcoming ambience. The walls are adorned with a collection of my own framed photography and digital art, some for sale, others simply there to create a further sense of beauty and calm.

The store is large and well-lit, distancing itself from other secondhand, op-shops, and thrift stores that are packed to the rafters. My store has a natural flow and layout to allow for those with mobility issues. There is space to move, space to think and relax while shopping. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of the merchandise is high. I have lovingly sourced it all myself, making sure they are quality products. I have tried to appeal to all demographics, ages, genders and sizes. My bric-a-brac items are eclectic, being more arty than practical. Yes, there are some obvious practical items, but I also want to appeal to the shopper’s artistic sensitivities and provide an opportunity for them to buy retro artistic items at a decent price. The books that I stock range from philosophical, political, social and ethical subjects. I make sure that I do not sell any books or items which help to propagate social division, hatred and inequality.

My ranges are inclusive and accessible for all. I have a strict ethical practices policy in place, ensuring my store is a safe place for those who can often feel excluded by businesses. I have a strict ‘NO HATE, NO RACISM, No HOMOPHOBIA, NO TRANSPHOBIA, NO ABLEIST” policy in place. Above each mirror, I have placed beautiful positive affirmations, “I am beautiful” and “II am worthy”. I also sell a range of positive daily affirmations that I have created, as well as hand-made cards and candles.

My goal is that simply walking into my store is an experience. A safe and positive experience, one where you will actually feel welcomed and encouraged to find something special. I don’t want to appeal to hoarders. I don’t want to contribute to their pain and condition: Rather, I want to be able to attract people who shop second-hand based on financial need and moral or ethical responsibility. I want them to feel the accessible, inclusive energy and warm ambience. I want to help build a sense of community, including hosting poetry, reading, and philosophy meetings.

Yes, I will need to make a living, ensuring I cover all the overhead costs, and generate an income for myself. However, it’s not just about the money but creating a business where I feel I am ethically invested. I want to create a space where I can sell recycled clothing and items, saving them from landfill. I also want to be able to advertise my art and photography. I also want to create a space where people can connect, building a sense of community and connection. I want to establish a word-of-mouth reputation built on trust. I want it to create a business that is the polar opposite of the large, loud, capitalistic businesses interested in the bottom line.

Yes, as mentioned, I want to make a small profit to create a secure income, but I also want it to be more than just money. Many of the second-hand stores here have been gentrified, and their prices and attitudes match. They have become inaccessible for many. I am fighting against this, as I want to recreate a space where prices are very reasonable, quality is high, and there is an overwhelming sense of ‘experience’ and connection. I want to create a space where what i sell is as important as the way I sell it. I want to create a space where if boys want to try on dresses, they can do so without raising an eyebrow. If people want to buy non-white-washed history books about colonisation, they can. And furthermore, they can safely sit around the table and discuss these types of topics.

OK, after reading this post, I know I sound like an absolute privileged dreamer, but hey, if the second-hand shoe fits, then I’ll gladly wear it. Ask me this question tomorrow, and it will most probably be a bookstore or a plant shop. Or if money was no issue, I would have an incredible camera shop and get to play with all the stock while deciding whether to purchase them or not. Oh, and I would most probably run these stores with two of my sisters, just so we are able to achieve a healthy work-life balance.