Brittany Leddin is the creator of the Fresh Finds Clothing Market.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Echuca’s very first pre-loved clothing market is set to launch next month, with 28 local stallholders taking part.
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Pre-loved clothing markets have been growing in popularity in towns such as Bendigo and Shepparton, but Rochester local Brittany Leddin wanted one closer to home.
Mrs Leddin said the idea behind Fresh Finds Clothing Market is about more than just a love of clothes.
“We all love shopping, but with the cost of living, none of us can really afford it right now,” she said.
“I’m a stay-at-home mum, so I buy so many of my clothes second hand because I want good quality clothes but also don’t have the money to pay for them.
“It’s also about promoting sustainable fashion... trying not to fall for fast fashion and cheap clothes that don’t last.”
Brittany said the market will have many benefits for locals.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
In 2024, the Australian Institute reported that Australians buy more clothes than any other country, with one person buying 56 new clothing items on average, yearly.
The report also noted that more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill each year, contributing to the fast fashion waste crisis.
To combat the waste, there has been a push to create a ‘circular economy’ by extending the life span of clothes through things such as recycling initiatives.
Mrs Leddin said the markets will allow people to declutter sustainably, give others the chance to buy affordable good quality clothes and create extra income for stallholders.
After the rising interest from the community, she is considering making the markets a trimonthly event.
“Pending the day, I’m assuming it’s going to be great, I’m thinking of running them every three months in Echuca,” she said.
“I’ve also had some people from surrounding areas such as Cohuna and stuff, seeing if I’d ever do a market out there, but we haven’t thought about that too much yet.
“We’re going to get Echuca under way first and if it continues to be successful, then I will think about venturing out to surrounding (areas).”
Brittany has received huge interest from the local community.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
The markets will be held on Easter Saturday, April 19 in the Echuca Moama Uniting Church hall from 10am to 3pm.
Prices will vary depending on the stallholder, with major brands on sale including Culture Kings, R.M. Williams, Seed Heritage, Country Road, Lorna Jane and many more.
There is sure to be something for everyone with sizes ranging from six to 28 and all styles, from casual to formal.
Some stallholders will have a few shopping bags available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own.
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