The pinch of fast fashion on Op Shops

Source: Unplash.

The way op shops are able to operate is being effected, as a consequence of fast fashion.  

Christchurch City Mission Op Shop is usually a haven for those who are looking to purchase quality garments at a bargain price, but now quality is becoming even more difficult to find.  

Tina Burrows, the Retail & Logistics Supervisor of the Mission, told Canta that fast fashion garments from giant distributers such as Temu and Shein are becoming an all too familiar site within their donations. 

“We have noticed a large influx of ‘fast fashion' garments through our stores”, Burrows said.  

“As the items are generally unrecyclable, people tend to donate rather than discard their goods. I believe in a lot of cases people order garments and they do not meet their expectations on delivery, [meaning] they are then donated in relatively new condition, but due to their quality are harder to move on.” 

Due to this increase in poor quality clothing, the Mission is now in an ever-increasing struggle to provide quality clothing, especially for those who need it the most. 

“[W]e not only sell our donated clothing, but also give it out for free to those in need. It is necessary to have a good supply of quality, warm clothing on hand - especially for those sleeping rough”, Burrows said. 

“It is becoming harder to supply items like woollen jerseys and quality jackets throughout the winter months.” 

Additionally, the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry is a constant reminder of what frequent, impulse buying has on the planet’s health. 

According to Greenpeace, New Zealand’s total clothing and textile waste comes out to 180,000 tonnes a year, the equivalent to 6429 shipping containers. Moreover, 85% of all fast fashion garments end up in landfill. 

Burrows also commented on the sustainability issue that fast fashion presents to the Mission. 

“The influx in cheaper garments does mean our dumping bills escalate. We do have a 'Free Bin' where we put unpurchased clothing in the hope to reduce our costs but we still have a lot that ends up in landfill.” 

Even with fast fashion seeping into the Op Shop environment, Burrows insisted that it is still possible for those to purchase quality garments, especially “students coming through to get a bargain”.  

“Our city store has all clothing at $2.00,” Burrows said. 

“At the Christchurch City Mission, we like to be able to provide clothing to those in the community in need.  Our pricing structure supports this by keeping our garments at a very affordable price.”