From Rixo dresses to Chanel bags, this pre-loved pop-up is big on sustainable style
Trying to make more sustainable style choices?
Green-minded fashion folk will be flocking to Douglas this weekend to check out a brand new designer pop-up shop offering major discounts on some fiercely covetable items.
Owner Caitriona McGettigan has been sourcing and selling authentic, unique pre-loved designer finds via her online business Luxury Exchange for more than a year now, with prices ranging from under €50 to over €5,000.
The first Luxury Exchange pop-up shop opens this weekend inside ItSoMe Boutique in Douglas Shopping Centre, with a number of exclusive treasures on offer.
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The local entrepreneur (21) founded the business while working for a fashion brand in Brown Thomas, later building up enough clients to take on her dream role full-time.
“My stock is sent to me by clients from all over Ireland, if somebody is wanting to sell items they can message me on Instagram,” Caitriona told Yay Cork.
“I came up with the idea as I was working in Zadig & Voltaire in Brown Thomas Cork and noticed so many of my clients saying how their wardrobes were overflowing with items only worn once or some never worn at all and how they’d love some more of that space back for their new items, but felt guilty getting rid of pieces that were expensive and absolutely perfect condition!”
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The fashion maven also noticed that Cork shoppers were consistently seeking unique items that stand out from the crowd:
“When you buy pre-loved, you aren’t just shopping from one season like when you go into a store, you have an unlimited range of options and you can also access items that may have sold out very quickly. Then on top of that you have the bonus that most items (bar collector’s items) are hugely reduced, for example, I have perfect condition Rixo dresses for 70% off the retail price. It was only worn once and then dry cleaned, yet the buyer is getting a huge discount.”
“There is something for everybody from Prada shoes to Chanel handbags, even Lululemon!” Caitriona explained.
“You know that the piece you have is high end, won’t be seen everywhere and by buying pre-loved items you are also creating a more sustainable wardrobe. It’s a huge step for my business and I’m so excited to welcome people in.”
Visit the Luxury Exchange pop-up shop this weekend, Friday, September 10th, Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th, 2021 inside ItSoMe Boutique in Douglas Shopping Centre (the one with Tesco).
Main image: Chanel
