Kiloshop in Nantes - J. Urbach / 20 Minutes

  • Praised for their ecological side and the low prices offered, thrift stores live a second life.
  • These stores, more and more numerous, knew how to reinvent themselves "to stick to current trends while distinguishing themselves from what is sold by large groups. "

Prices are already low there all year round but since Wednesday there are still specials. With the kickoff of the winter sales just launched, thrift stores also want their share of the cake. The more so as in the big cities, these shops which offer second hand clothes multiply at great speed. In Nantes, after the arrival of the last one three months ago opposite the Galeries Lafayette, they are now ten to attract fashionistas and / or supporters of another mode of consumption.

After lowering the curtain fifteen years ago, the Kiloshop brand has made a comeback in the City of Dukes. Here, thousands of jeans, shirts or coats, in all colors and from all eras, are sold by the kilo, with a price fixed according to the type of article. And for the past few months, sales have taken off, according to the manager, Hervé Benesteau. “Before, people came to find a room, sometimes for a theme party. Now they come to dress, "says one who has recorded an increase in its figure of 20% in one year.

It must be said that thrift stores today do everything to help customers get over the mark. No more smell of dust or huge bins overflowing with fabric. At Rönin, opened a year and a half ago, the clothes are sorted by type, size and color and carefully passed through the steamer. “Customers no longer want to spend 4 hours in stores, say Alexis and Bruno, the co-managers of this store in the street universe. We chose to put less merchandise on the shelf, with a regular rotation. We put on original and vintage products. They are better and have a history. "

Sticking to trends

If they make a gesture for the environment and good for their wallets, no question for bargain hunters to end up with anything on their backs. To offer them the best parts, thrift stores work with wholesalers around the world, who buy and select the best parts from the tons of clothing collected by charities. "Then there is a very big job," says Jérémy Dupuy, the owner of Frip in shop, opened on rue Joffre ten years ago, three new stores in the department since. We reselect, we detach, even we send to seamstresses for transformation… It is necessary that the clothes stick to current trends, while standing out from what is sold by large groups. "

Frip in shop in Nantes - J. Urbach / 20 Minutes

On the shelves, high-waisted pants and velvet are currently in great demand. And among customers, if some swear that they only buy second hand, many are still playing on both counts. "My sweatshirt is new, but this striped shirt is a Tommy Hilfiger at 8 euros, smiles Ambre, 20, who pulls his striped collar. My wardrobe is now half and half. I love mixing, it allows you to create your own style. However, some people do not hesitate to speak of "a fashion effect", which can lead to paradoxes. “We say we should consume less but in thrift stores, we crack more easily, admits Laurine. I already have a denim jacket but I recently bought a second one: I don't need it, but it was too good. "

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  • Recycling
  • Clothes
  • Sales
  • Nantes
  • Style