A new Canadian online consignment boutique aims to jump on the growing global resale trend with a pop-up at Stackt Market, offering vintage and designer finds at reduced prices.
The CLOC pop-up at Stackt Market is bridging the gap between accessible designer brands and the movement to put a pause on fast fashion. In-store shopping gives buyers a chance to try clothes and feel fabrics making this the perfect time for CLOC’s retail debut.
“People range from pleasantly surprised to even excited when they learn all the clothes are pre-owned. There’s no question that clothing resale is on the rise, from fast fashion brands to high end designers, and it’s great to have a space that brings resale directly into the heart of Toronto,” says founders Jenny Aaron and Lori Grossman.
CLOC, or Closed Loop, Open Closet, was launched as an online platform in late 2020 on the heels of industry reports showing that the resale market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the Canadian apparel market. Vintage and secondhand shopping has been gaining popularity, especially among the younger generations.
A ThredUp 2021 resale report projected that the secondhand market is expected to grow 11 times faster than the broader retail clothing sector by 2025. The report also found that thrifting and secondhand shopping was picked up as a new habit for many consumers during the pandemic, with 76 per cent of first-time secondhand buyers planning on increasing their spending on secondhand clothing over the next five years. According to the report, over 40 per cent of Generation Z and millenials have shopped secondhand apparel over the past 12 months.
CLOC sells brands from popular designers like Isabelle Marant and Gucci, along with more contemporary brands like COS and Anthropologie, and strives to give garments a second life with an affordable price tag.
“We have great brands in store, like Acne Studios, Smythe, Veronica Beard, IRO, Ganni and Isabel Marant with a smattering of some of the high end designers with the likes of Gucci, Prada, Chanel and Louboutin. We currently have a great selection of items across all categories with a focus on tops, dresses, fall coats and jackets, shoes, bags and shoes,” Aaron and Grossman says.
The duo source items from “anywhere we can,” including friends and family. Social media has also been a goldmine for CLOC as influencers and stylists look for second homes for many designer goods.
“Social media has brought in some consignors, and since opening up we’ve had a number of inquiries as to what we’re looking for with interest to consign. Having a physical location definitely expands our access to new consignors and in turn our offerings,” Grossman and Aaron note.
CLOC has been a virtual presence since 2020, with the new pop-up being the first foray into a retail space. The store can be found at the Stackt Market until October 31st from 12-7 pm and online here. You can order directly from the virtual storefront if you can’t make it to Stackt (CLOC ships worldwide).