Seamster Vintage helps boost Glasgow’s thriving second hand scene

Second hand shopping network Revolve has welcomed two new stores into its retail revolution as Glasgow increases its eco-friendly credentials.
Debbie Ruzzak and Steven Penman, founders of Seamster VintageDebbie Ruzzak and Steven Penman, founders of Seamster Vintage
Debbie Ruzzak and Steven Penman, founders of Seamster Vintage

Shoppers can now browse in Revolve certified Seamster Vintage, based in the Queens Park area of the city, and ApparelXchange for high quality second hand clothes.

Awarded by Zero Waste Scotland, the Revolve certification is Scotland’s quality guarantee for pre-loved items from clothes and furniture to white goods and bikes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Steven Penman, Manager, Seamster Vintage, said: “We were excited at the opportunity to join the Revolve network of organisations as we have always loved vintage clothing, yet sustainability has been the primary motivation behind opening Seamster Vintage.

“Revolve’s focus on developing Scotland’s re-use sector whilst creating an industry standard is great for us to be a part of as a small business as it puts us in touch with so many experts and likeminded people who are interested in providing environmentally conscious choices to customers.”

A recent survey commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland discovered that nearly half of the city (48%) say they are more likely to shop second hand if they can be assured of quality, safety and cleanliness.

Glasgow shoppers are shifting habits towards second hand items as they seek out value and look for more environmentally friendly ways to shop. This city-wide attitude has played a role in being chosen as host for the United Nations climate change summit, COP26, with organisers praising Glasgow as “one of the UK’s most sustainable cities”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are currently over 140 Revolve certified stores nationwide, 25 of which are based in the Glasgow region.

Seamster Vintage is a quality retro clothing store based in Glasgow’s Southside that specialises in everyday vintage wear as well as their own line of handmade zero waste accessories. With an ethos that fashion should be sustainable, affordable and fun, all stock is carefully washed and repaired to bring it back to its best.

Any items that are not repairable are upcycled into eye catching accessories, giving new life to the vintage fabrics.

Catherine Bozec, Consumer Campaigns Manager, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Congratulations to the teams at Seamster Vintage and ApparelXchange for achieving Revolve status. Both stores are committed to quality and sustainability, so it is fantastic to see them receive certification.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Revolve provides Scotland’s re-use organisations with training, support and advice to give customers with the assurance that the items they buy are of good quality, offering a similar shopping experience to buying new.

“Shopping Revolve helps Scotland make the best use of its natural resources, while reducing the number of items that end up in landfill each year.”

Located in Glasgow’s St. Enoch Centre ApparelXchange is a social enterprise dedicated to the re-use and recycling of children’s clothing, shoes and accessories.

ApparelXchange works with schools and parents to change consumer behaviour towards clothing. Raising awareness of the environmental issues surrounding clothing, ApparelXchange supports people to make manageable changes to their shopping habits, helping to reduce the impact on our planet.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shopping re-use supports local communities and social enterprises while saving shoppers money and protecting the environment. By donating to re-use stores valuable products and materials can be used for longer, resulting in fewer items needlessly ending up in landfill.

Izzie Eriksen, Director, ApparelXchange, said: “Achieving our Revolve certification and becoming part of this Scotland wide network, reflects ApparelXchange’s commitment to quality, customer service and being part of a group of likeminded organisations.

“Revolve certification proves we focus on quality and service when engaging our customers, and that we put the environment and society first for the future of our planet.”

To find your local Revolve certified store, visit www.revolvereuse.com

Related topics: