Reuse, Recycle, Rewear
Green in more ways than one
L
Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, the
resale industry is growing at approximately
fi ve percent a year. The association also says
that one of the main reasons for growth in
the resale industry is the public’s increased
awareness of recycling. Though business is
slipping in other parts of the retail sector,
Nobody’s Baby (365 E. 13th Ave.), a local
secondhand vintage store, hasn’t noticed
a negative change in business or revenue
due to the economic slowdown. “When
people walk in this door, I think they leave
the world behind them,” says manager
Morgan Monroe. “We steer away from the
negative.”
Business is also looking good for Buffalo
Exchange. “The nature of resale business
tends to do better during an economic
downfall,” Pape says. She also says that
the store has “defi nitely seen an increase in
business.”
Local designers are also reaping the
benefi ts from secondhand stores. According
to Chester, locally designed stuff is
“booming” in her store. “We are supporting
the local economy and environment,” she
says.
Porter also agrees and says, “We’re
focused on supporting our local designers.”
Spend a few hours on the UO campus
or in downtown Eugene, and it becomes
obvious that the city is home to some
innovative trends. Where do you suppose
these trendsetters fi nd such interesting
and exclusive outfi ts? Resale shops, of
course! “A store like this has something
for everyone,” Chester says. “Everything is
unique and super one-of-a-kind.”
Infi nity Mercantile, Buffalo Exchange
and Nobody’s Baby also carry a variety
of one-of-a-kind clothing articles and
accessories. “We try to have something for
everyone,” says Pape.
This modern “green trend” gives a whole
new kick to the drive and desire to reduce,
reuse and recycle. So keep your used garments
out of landfi lls and consider trading, donating
or selling them instead. It’ll help you save
money and look good.
ew
TODD COOPER
ately, fi lling your gas tank and your
stomach is nearly enough to empty
your wallet. Many people are trying
as hard as they can to stretch their dollars
in the continuing doldrums of recession,
and some of the best places they’ve found
to accomplish this stretch are local resale
and secondhand stores. The mall isn’t
necessarily the place to shop when the
prices of necessities like food and gas are
rising. But secondhand stores, where you
can get the same stuff for half (or less) of
what you’d usually spend, are.
“Most of our stuff falls between $7 and
$20,” says Mitra Chester, the owner of
Deluxe (1331 Willamette). “You defi nitely,
defi nitely save money.” Deluxe sells both
secondhand garb and local designer brands
for extremely reasonable prices.
With not only the economy but also the
environment in turmoil, the “green trend” —
referring to saving money as well as saving
the planet — is becoming incredibly popular.
“Reuse Rethink Redesign Resell” is the
new logo for the local resale store Infi nity
Mercantile (780 Blair Blvd.). Iris Porter,
the store manager, says that one of the main
reasons she chooses to work there is because
via resale, the shop provides a service “to
the community and to the world.”
“We’re here to make a profi t and buy
groceries,” Porter says, “but we’re also here
to provide a service.”
Buffalo Exchange (131 E. Fifth Ave.)
encourages environmental awareness in
their customers by offering 5 cent charity
donation tokens to those who don’t take a
plastic bag for their purchases. Boxes by the
door collect the tokens, and the proceeds
benefi t various causes. “Right now we have
three main charities,” says Kari Pape, the
store manager. “We keep clothing and plastic
out of landfi lls.” Buffalo Exchange, Infi nity
Mercantile and Deluxe are just three of the
local stores where you can make a little
extra dough — or come away with some
new items — by selling back the neglected
clothes in the back of your closet.
According to the National
BY COURTNEY JACOBS
THIS WEEKEND!
Friday, August 22 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 24 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Showcasing wineries throughout Oregon - chocolatiers - cream-
eries - live music - kick-off Celebrity Crush for the Cure grape
crushing contest to benefit the American Cancer Society
$20 admission per day or $40 weekend pass includes ten tasting
tickets, souvenir wine glass, and market winery guide. Advance
ticket sales available at the 5th Street Market administration
office 541-484-0383
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUFFALO EXCHANGE
-
Aaron &
Mitra Ch
ester of
Deluxe
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EUGENE WEEKLY AUGUST 21, 2008 13