In the 20th century, "The global trade in second-hand clothing is worth more than $1 billion," say Sally Baden and Catherine Barber in their article "The Impact of the Second-hand Clothing Trade on Developing Countries."
Statistics on second-hand trade are mostly estimates, as all textiles are lumped into one category, making it difficult to specify quantities.
The availability of second-hand clothing is important to people who live below the poverty level in both developing and developed countries. Young mothers in developing countries share their children's clothing with each other, each adding to the bundle before passing it to the next mother.
Hamburg has a Thriving Second-Hand Clothing Market
In Hamburg, second-hand clothing is "in," but less so with men than with women. Men tend to wear their clothing until it is almost ready for the rag bag. Women are smarter. They understand that second-hand merchandise is less expensive, and makes it simpler to combine garments that create an individual style. Also, one avoids the embarrassment of meeting a colleague who is wearing an identical blouse.
"Our shop was well-received and we have many repeat customers. Many of our regulars comb through our merchandise, and often stay for a chat over a cup of coffee, a glass of water, or a fruit drink." Said the ladies on their Web Site.
The women were employed in the personnel and purchasing office of the same company. If someone had told them that they would some day open a business together, they would not have believed it. When the two, in their late 40s, decided to give up their secure jobs and go into this business together, they did a lot of research by visiting other second-hand shops. “And we were clear from the beginning what not to do in our shop,” remembers Luenemann. “It must not be cramped and make people dig around; it had to be well organized.”
That is how the "In and Out Fashion and Living Accessories [In & Out—Mode—und Wohnaccessoires]" store came to be in Glinde, a suburb of Hamburg. It is a tidy place, not immediately recognizable as a second-hand store, and potential customers [expecting a high-end shop] hesitate to enter. “We are asked almost daily if this is really a second-hand store, and if our merchandise is truly second-hand.” Sabine Hoppe then explained that clothing left on consignment has to be freshly laundered, free of stains, not outdated, and in good condition.
In the meantime, many customers drop in regularly to check things over. "Things are here for the long-term, and sometimes people find something, and other times not," smiles Luenemann. If not, there is always time for a cup of coffee and a cozy visit. Pausing in this oasis among shoes, clothing, flowers, and décor makes one feel at home.
Both women are trained color consultants; so an added bonus is the color tips customers can get while shopping.
For the shop to flourish, good customer skills are a must, as sales rely on word of mouth advertising. As is avoiding serious conflicts with each other, something both women agree on. “Since we know each other so well, we have developed a strategy when fighting—we consider our relationship,” said Luenemann. “And, added Hoppe, we know each other's foibles. Most importantly, we trust each other.”
