WINDHOEK, Sept. 13 -- The 2nd Hand Concept Store in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is bringing new life to pre-loved, used items and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Christina Bohm, an architectural designer in her 50s, established the store in 2018 to sell second-hand items, including a selection of quality household goods, utensils, books, accessories, home decorations, furniture, art, and cultural items, after noticing that many people throwing away items that could still be used.

"Buying second-hand products reduces the demand for new products, minimizes waste, and protects the environment," Bohm said on Friday in an interview with Xinhua.

Initially, she sourced a few items from friends and relatives and set up a small shop in Windhoek. With demand growing due to customer referrals and social media marketing efforts, she has the current store located in the southern industrial area of Windhoek, where she has been operating since 2020. Her stock now stands at an average of 1100 items, a sharp increase from about 100 items in 2018.

Her business model is simple. People bring the used items to the store. The team assesses the quality and buys them. The items are then cleaned, refurbished, and sold in the store. The most popular are vintage items and Chinese tea sets.

"It's a space of second-hand treasures waiting to be discovered and find a new lease on life," Bohm said. "There is something for everyone."

Over the years, her clientele has grown as more people embrace second-hand shopping.

"In the early stages, we had an average of three customers visiting the shop, but we now receive about 10 walk-ins or more on a good day," she said. "With more walk-ins, it's evidence of a shift toward conscious consumption and sustainable living."

For Bohm, the shop is not just about shopping; it also aims to drive sustainable living and conscious consumption in the country, promoting the beauty and value of second-hand shopping. She posted educational material on social media to reinforce the message.

The store also packs items in used bags and boxes. It uses innovative upcycling techniques to transform old pieces into unique and stylish creations for the store's decorations.

Locals laud the store for inspiring a shift in mindset toward shopping.

Selma Tomas, 37, from Windhoek, said she only started buying second-hand items last year after seeing a Facebook post about the store and other items in Namibia. Before that, she considered second-hand items untidy.

"I also thought I would not get fair value as in the case of buying a new item. But now I look at it from an environmental protection perspective," said Tomas.

Bohm sees it as an opportunity to shift perceptions and highlight the value and uniqueness of pre-loved items. "We also collaborate with the community, and robust marketing emphasizes quality, uniqueness, and value so that shopping at the store can be not only socially responsible but also stylish," she said.

Bohm now employs four people. The income generated is re-invested in the business for its growth and sustenance. "The goal is to expand for a bigger shop, conduct more community education, and significantly impact environmental sustainability," she said.

Queen Omagano Kamati, mayor of Windhoek, said efforts like this play a vital role in reducing waste in the city and contribute to efforts toward a cleaner city.

  - Xinhua