16/08/2026
I have been very disturbed with gatekeeping behaviour in the thrift and second hand market. Recently I wanted to buy some trim at an opshop (whom receive all donations free) and was told I I could not buy a few metres, but had to buy the whole roll. Which I then did. When I got home, I cut off what I needed and then offered the remainder for sale. I was then contacted by the original seller and told I could donate what I did not need back to them.
Initially I did not think much of it, but the more I thought about it, the more it disturbed me. I have set up Weebill Online to keep textile in circulation. And I often buy textiles. Sometimes for my own use and at other times to on-sell. For example I have bought textiles from clothing manufacturers that closed down. It was my risk, it helped the business owner and now great textiles that might have had to be dumped are still available to other creatives.
I think it is good to share surplus rather than we all just building unlimited stashes.
Fact: I also need the income to keep the business afloat. I thought it was an isolated case, but I was wrong.
This morning someone else posted of several similar clothing items that she bought with the express purpose to remake it. She was attacked for being “greedy” and buying more than she needed. Considering it was at the opshop, where anyone could have purchased it, but did not, it was a risk and opportunity taken by her, while the opshop moved clothing that would otherwise have ended in landfill. We have more than what we need for the next 6 generations in circulation. Please people, collaborate!! Leave money on the table for others and don’t begrudge anyone an opportunity that will keep existing textiles in circulation. As long as over production continues, recycling will play catch-up. And only by using what is already in circulation for longer, can we remotely impact the demand for new goods.
