Launceston bargain hunters can pick up preloved clothing at a pop-up market on Saturday, with organisers urging shoppers to make second-hand their first choice on World Op Shop Day.
The Behind Closed Drawers market runs from 11am to 2pm at the Launceston Conference Centre at Door of Hope in South Launceston. Entry is free.
World Op Shop Day was established by Charitable Reuse Australia to encourage people to buy preloved clothing to cut waste.
Market organiser Rhea Gillie said Australians throw away 6,000kg of clothes and textile waste every 10 minutes.
“That waste goes into landfill and damages our environment. Every single time someone purchases something secondhand, they’re supporting a more sustainable future,” she said.
Gillie said the day was also a chance to support other charity shops around the city.
“We encourage everyone to kick off World Op Shop Day at Behind Closed Drawers, then head on out to the other amazing charity op shops we have here in Launceston,” she said.
Stalls sell preloved, handmade, vintage, upcycled and new clothing and accessories in sizes from petite to plus.
Sellers with stock left over at the end of the day are encouraged to donate it to Teen Challenge, which sells the items through its Hope Costume and Thrift Store on St John Street.
“We’re proud to support their work and help raise money for at-risk Tassie youth through these clothing donations,” Gillie said.
“It also helps the circular economy and makes sure these clothes don’t just end up in landfill.”
This weekend’s event is the second at the market’s new venue. Organisers said hundreds of people attended last month and they expect similar numbers on Saturday.
The next market is scheduled for November 14 and stallholder bookings are open.
