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Sustainable Boutique

Sustainable Fashion in a Circular Economy

Sustainable fashion shopper looking on phone for ways to participate in a circular economy

In a world where instant gratification is a given, it’s easy for fashion consumers to become spoiled with the sheer volume of clothing options they have at their literal disposal. Fashion brands have risen to meet that need, mass-producing cheaply-made clothes inspired by the latest runway looks and delivering them to the masses who buy, wear, and dispose of the items quicker than you can say, “fast fashion.”

Thanks to climate change putting a spotlight on the finite character of our planet’s natural resources, a growing number of eco-conscious consumers are changing the way they consume fashion. The trend continues to make headline news with industry experts discussing the impact of the circular economy on our insatiable appetite for latest fashions.

What is the Circular Economy?

“Circular economy” is a term used to describe an approach to economic development that benefits society, businesses, and the environment. At its very core, a circular economy is designed to be regenerative, ultimately getting us to the point where growth does not occur at the expense of the planet. The goal of a circular economy is to lease, repair, refurbish, share, and recycle the products and materials before we need to make more.

Classic Style, New Materials

Eco-conscious fashion consumers are intrigued with the concept of a circular economy. These shoppers are now looking to “sustainable fashion” to help bridge the gap. Sustainable fashion describes the movement that promotes ecological integrity and social justice within the industry.

When consumers choose clothing made from sustainable, organic, or biological materials made from renewable resources, the items may last for years longer than those that are mass-produced. Eco-friendly materials fabrics include natural, organic cotton and linen, vegan synthetic materials like recycled polyester, semi-synthetic (often vegan) materials like Lyocell and EcoVero, and natural fabrics derived from animals like sheep wool, cashmere, and silk.

Even brands like H&M, once synonymous with fast fashion, are becoming a part of the movement.

Sustainable Clothing Boutiques and Services Are Booming

The movement away from fast fashion and towards a circular economy also influences where consumers buy clothing. Today, more fashion-forward consumers are spending their dollars at resale shops and consignment clothing stores. They’re drawn to these spaces because the clothing they sell is usually high-quality, lasts for years, and it doesn’t strain the earth’s resources.

The trend has revealed some incredibly attractive business opportunities. Sustainable fashion boutiques featuring gently used, sometimes restored, often big-ticket, luxury items are popping up across the country.

Jump Into the Circular Economy

Opening a consignment franchise boutique offers the sustainably-minded entrepreneur an excellent opportunity to nurture your love of fashion, promote a modern circular economy, and even help save the planet. Those interested in learning more about investing with The Closet Trading Company can click here to get a better idea of what your investment costs might look like. Fill out our form and someone from our team will get back to you shortly.


Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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April 8, 2022/by Johanna Zlenko
Sustainable Boutique

Slow Fashion vs. Fast Fashion

Choosing Slow Fashion vs. Fast Fashion

Fast fashion has caused a significant disruption in the clothing industry. Within the past decade, the rise of e-commerce has contributed to the fast fashion industry, especially with new labels advertising low-cost clothing via social media.

As a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative, slow fashion is a reaction to the above. It advocates for manufacturing that respects people and the environment and strives to reduce the overall environmental impact of fast fashion. From quality to transparency, here’s why you should stop shopping at the mall and start supporting local boutiques.

What is Fast Fashion?

Over the past years, the term ‘fast fashion’ has become prominent in conversations surrounding sustainability and eco-conscious consumption. It refers to cheaply made clothing that copies the latest catwalk styles. These pieces are typically rushed through so retailers can profit off the latest trends.

Although the fast fashion industry produces affordable, convenient options for consumers, its negatives outweigh its positives. From an industry point of view, when a product goes out of stock, it is immediately replaced by a new one. These companies create a vicious cycle, with labels leveraging celebrities to bring in more money by attracting young, trendy consumers.

How Does Fast Fashion Impact the Environment?

While the fast fashion industry manufactures cheap clothes for consumers, the consequences are significant. According to the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, this industry is the second-biggest consumer of water. Moreover, it is responsible for 8–10 percent of global carbon emissions, surpassing international flights and maritime shipping.

It also depletes water sources worldwide and contributes plastic microfibers to the ocean, while 85 percent of all textiles end up in landfills each year. Factories that produce fashion are also widely criticized for their poor working conditions and lack of care for their employees.

What is Slow Fashion—and How Can You Find It?

Slow fashion refers to garments that are made from eco-friendly, high-quality materials. Instead of constantly turning out cheap, on-trend pieces, slow fashion labels create timeless pieces that are long-lasting and better for the environment.

In contrast to fast fashion, sustainable brands are typically transparent about their practices. When you choose eco-friendly pieces from a sustainable boutique, you’re paying for quality while also supporting your local community. These brands prioritize their clients, helping them extend the longevity of their clothes, shoes, and accessories.

When it comes to shopping slow fashion, be sure to check out local boutiques and consignment stores in your area. Designer boutique franchises and luxury consignment stores typically focus on high-end, on-trend pieces, making it easy for clients to shop the latest styles more sustainably and affordably.

Discover Sustainable Fashion With TCTC

At The Closet Trading Co., our sustainability-minded franchisees help clients access high-quality pieces from premium brands without harming the environment. Our unique franchise opportunities feature a small retail footprint, a simple business model, and an investment opportunity. We believe that pre-loved clothing can help solve textile waste, and our secondhand retail sales fuel a circular economy of mindful consumers committed to global sustainability. Interested in giving back to your community? Explore our opportunities today.


Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

APPLY NOW
July 3, 2021/by Johanna Zlenko
Sustainable Boutique

How Clothing Resale Helps Create a More Sustainable World

Sustainable Boutique Clothing Franchise

Buying clothes secondhand is more important than ever. According to recent estimates, the fashion industry contributes nearly 100 million tons per year to landfills—and the industry’s top producers aren’t slowing down. Fast fashion continues to produce new clothes in an effort to profit from changing trends, even at the cost of severe environmental consequences ranging from water pollution to greenhouse gas emissions. However, consumers are changing their mindset toward unsustainable apparel products, giving a new rise to the buy and sell business models.

Within the last few years, interest in buying resale clothing and accessories has skyrocketed as consumers have become more aware of the fiscal and environmental benefits of shopping secondhand instead of supporting fast fashion brands. From the rise of clothing resale as a multibillion-dollar industry to the benefits of buying secondhand, here’s how clothing resale helps create a more sustainable world.

The Rise of Clothing Resale

According to a 2019 report, resale and rental fashion are gaining popularity in the fashion industry thanks to their accessible prices and sustainable practices, particularly as luxury brands grow more expensive. Today, the secondhand fashion market is valued at around $28 billion and is expected to reach $64 billion within the next five years.

One popular clothing resale business, The Closet Trading Company, has established itself as a leader in the clothing resale industry. It is the first consignment or resale business permitted to operate in any Westfield Property worldwide. Founded in 2003 as “The Closet,” The Closet Trading Company has flourished as a resale marketplace, featuring premium brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and others.

Benefits of Shopping Secondhand

As more and more consumers learn about the environmental impacts of fast fashion, more shoppers are turning to boutique secondhand stores and peer-to-peer sales to update their wardrobe.

Studies have shown that 60 percent of clothes made worldwide are produced from synthetic materials. When thrown away, polyester, nylon, and acrylic textiles sit in landfills for hundreds of years. Choosing secondhand encourages customers to keep waste out of landfills and reduce the worldwide textile demand.

Buying secondhand clothing also helps reduce pollution. Approximately 90 percent of cotton grown for the fashion industry is genetically modified and relies heavily on pesticides, which contaminates nearby water. This is especially true in underdeveloped countries that lack environmental regulations.

While switching to secondhand won’t completely solve all the supply chain problems created by the fashion industry, it does help us minimize our carbon footprint and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable world.

Build a business you can take pride in

Above all else, the best way to combat the environmental impacts of the fashion industry is to stop disposing of clothes. The rise of luxury secondhand retailers extends the lifecycle of clothes, helping to combat carbon emissions and promote sustainability in fashion.

To join the luxury consignment movement, explore retail franchise opportunities with The Closet Trading Company. At The Closet Trading Company, we offer a mindful designer resale experience with exclusive luxury brand standards, a small retail footprint, and a simple business model. We’ve become an essential component of our customer’s shopping habits, making premium brands accessible to everyone.


Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

APPLY NOW
February 20, 2021/by Johanna Zlenko

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