There’s something for everyone here.
There is a theory popular across social media right now called The Cat Distribution System that asserts that if you are meant to have a cat, that cat will find you. There is a similar system at work in donation or consignment clothing stores, which is: there is the right person for the right piece, and they will find each other.
Volunteering in the May Court Nearly New Shop, we’ve seen this in action many times. A dress or a blouse or jeans will go to the changeroom a dozen times and never get picked. Until that moment when that one person stands in front of the mirror and it’s perfect. The size, the colour, the style - or any combination - is exactly what she was looking for, or sometimes didn’t even know she needed until it was in her hands.
Two instances of this system stand out for me personally. The first was a young woman who came in with her mom. She casually picked up an older (sure, let’s call it vintage…) Danier brown leather jacket. On the hanger, this scruffy, slightly apologetic coat was passed over many times, but she put it on, and it was transformed - she was transformed. Suddenly she looked straight from the gossip websites ‘Selena-Gomez-going-for-coffee’ chic and sophisticated, the jacket just the right amount of oversized and slouchy. It was a joy to see that piece go out the door to a new life and renewed purpose.
The second time that really touched me was a woman standing in the shop with a Banana Republic blouse in her hand, eyes wide and shocked. ‘I had this exact shirt, I loved it. It got torn and it broke my heart.’ Her delight at finding a new version of an old favorite years later was incredible to witness.
And that might be the true beauty of resale clothing, and the reason the system works. The absolute uniqueness or randomness of the clothing inventory in any given consignment or donation store. Clothes that languished in the back of a closet for years or a NWT (that’s new with tags in resale lingo) piece that just didn’t work for someone and they decided to consign it. All these pieces waiting for their person and a new adventure.
It's at this point where I should probably lean in on the fast fashion issues, keeping clothing from landfills, and the terrifying ecological and economical impact of the current fashion industry but you likely know all that. I know that’s why I got committed to resale and thrifted clothes. But for this post, I’d rather focus on the fun and excitement of finding (or being found by) that new-to-you piece that is going bring joy to your closet and your life. And it happens every day here.
At the Nearly New Shop, we carry a mix of donated and consignment clothes with new and extraordinary pieces coming in every day. And all the profits from the NNS goes to supporting our community and region. This year, we were proud to be able to provide $95,000 in scholarships to local students and another $85,000 distributed through our grant program. And those volunteers in the store? They also volunteer at food banks, shelters, long-term care homes and service organizations throughout Halton region. So come into the store, find something magical, and be part of something truly great.
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200 Kerr Street
