Ethical second-hand shopping map by COSH!

In collaboration with De Kringwinkel Antwerp and the City of Antwerp, COSH! created a sustainable and ethical second-hand shopping map. A first that certainly comes in handy in the fashion city, since vintage clothing is a big hit! The map takes you to 26 addresses with second-hand clothing, 10 coffee spots, and lunch spots in and around Antwerp. Discover unique addresses in hidden side streets and rest at sustainable lunch spots ​‘en-route’.

The advantages of second-hand shopping

“Second-hand fashion is one of the most accessible ways to reduce your footprint and support the circular economy. With the map, we want to encourage consumers to shop more consciously. We want to make ethical and circular shopping easy for consumers,” says Niki De Schryver, founder of COSH!

online at cosh.eco in all of Flanders

Interactive shopping map of Antwerp

Each store point on the map has a QR code that leads to an online page at www.cosh.eco that teaches you about the sustainability of the store. COSH, the platform for sustainable fashion in Belgium, is now using the map to launch addresses for second-hand clothing online. Antwerp is the front runner, but stores in other cities have also joined in. For example, you can discover Streisant in Hasselt and Selected by Francoise in Bruges through the platform.

“At COSH! we encourage consumers to shop sustainably and qualitatively. That can be a new garment made in an environmentally friendly way, but we also consider second-hand purchases, upcycling, and borrowing clothes from libraries to be good options. The second-hand sector depends, of course, on a qualitative influx of beautiful clothing. We believe that the combination of new, recycled and second-hand fashion can make the industry truly circular.” – Niki de Schryver, founder of COSH!

Second-hand fashion under the microscope

The second-hand fashion industry has many ecological benefits but also faces several challenges. What happens to the clothes we donate in textile containers? Where do the clothes in thrift stores come from and is all second-hand clothing ethical? Scan the QR codes on the map and discover a comprehensive investigation about the second-hand circuit.

How do you give your clothes a sustainable second life?

On the map, you will also find a useful step-by-step plan to help you give your worn clothing a sustainable second life. Donate to a circular designer? Go to a clothing container or bring your piece to a repair cafe? Use the info on the map as a tool during your next tidy up and avoid throwing your clothes in the garbage can!

Find out more about the map here:

Shopping with the ethical shopping map is possible from Saturday, June 26. Those who wish to attend the launch are also welcome that day at Circuit in Antwerp (Jef Cassiersstraat 29). The map is available at the Tourist Office on the Grote Markt and at the Central Station and at all participating retailers.

STORE FINDER > FILTER ON 2ND HAND

Curated vintage hotspots

Parents who want to dress their children in ​‘preloved items’ will also find some nice addresses on the map. You will discover Bobbi Ray, a circular hub where HAA’s sewing workshop transforms second-hand textiles into high-quality new clothing for kids. Also, Finn & Julia in Brasschaat is a great hotspot for environmentally conscious parents.

Many independent retailers on the map accept clothes from consumers on consignment or select the most beautiful gems for their customers. These spots are ideal for people who are discovering secondhand for the first time, but experienced thrifters are sure to find their thing too!

Pardaf, Scruples, and Annexe 32 have been part of the scenery of Antwerp’s city center for years. We had to put them on the map. We also have some newcomers Dressing Circles and One Hit Wonder. Each boutique has its own focus, guaranteeing a unique shopping experience!

‘Moreover, some Antwerp second-hand boutiques really have a unique style and shopping experience,’ says avid second-hand shopper Mira Janssens from Ghent.

Sustainable trend:

Rent an outfit in a clothing library

Besides buying new and second-hand, there are of course several alternatives. Ever heard of swapping, swishing, and clothing libraries? We will tell you more about the different alternatives. On COSH! you can now also discover clothing libraries with the most beautiful clothes from sustainable brands – you can also try them on – like Jukebox in Brussels! A concept that is definitely worth exploring!

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