VINTAGE shoppers will be spoilt for choice when the Bell Tower Op Shop and Lounge opens its bright pink doors to the public next Monday.
Manager Annette Glover and a team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to refurbish an empty hall at the Anglican Christ Church and transform the space into a vibrant, retro-inspired second-hand shop.
Formerly known as Preloved Clothing, the Bell Tower Op Shop and Lounge will operate with the same inherent values – a commitment to sustainability and generous community spirit.
“We have moved into a larger space because we want to have a bigger presence in the community,” Ms Glover told The Border Watch.
“Our aim is to promote the purchase of pre loved, quality clothing and reclaiming fabric.”
Ms Glover said she hoped the initiative would contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
“Only around 15pc of clothing produced across the globe is resold to be purchased second-hand, the rest goes to land fill,” she explained.
“That’s a worrying figure really and we hope we can make a difference locally.”
Ms Glover will build on her experience following her involvement in last year’s Project Runway event, which aimed to increase the percentage of reclaimed fabric.
“We will encourage our customers to discover their own creativity and make something new out of something given away,” Ms Glover said.
“Affordable second-hand garments will give people the opportunity to grow a sustainable lifestyle by reusing items.”
Ms Glover said volunteers had spent four months renovating the hall and curating a vast collection of clothing.
“It has been a lot of hard work but we are really pleased with the way everything is coming together,” she said.
“We are focused on quality clothing and will continue to help those in need.
“Those less fortunate who are unable to afford items can make an appointment to see one of our shop consultants on a Thursday – we are more than willing to help.”
Ms Glover said the team had a long-term vision to extend the shop and lounge into two adjoining rooms.
“For now we have a small lounge area where visitors can enjoy a tea or coffee after they have a browse,” she said.
“We want this to be a comfortable and relaxing space.”
The Bell Tower Op Shop and Lounge is located at the Anglican Christ Church on Bay Road.
From April 3, the store will be open 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday.
