The Good Shop is a social enterprise with an online shop and three – nearly four – thrift stores on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Marketing lead Anastasia Thomas tells us about the brand, what they stand for, challenges they’ve faced and why she particularly loves their upcycled furniture.
Tell us about The Good Shop
“The Good Shop is a social enterprise based on a circular economy – a model of production that involves sharing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible, extending the life cycle of products, reducing waste to a minimum and creating further value of a product.
The Good Shop is a sustainable model for improving a community, with a triple-bottom-line model: Education, Employment, and Environment.
We’re a Mauritian company run by Mauritian people. It was started by a small group interested in creative solutions to various societal issues in Mauritius, including vulnerable children and education; employment with dignity; environmental degradation; and ethical leadership.
The first shop in Calebasses was opened in November 2018. Within two years, it grew to three locations plus an online shop. We are planning to open another location this year.”
The Good Shop is a sustainable model for improving a community, with a triple bottom-line model: Education, Employment and Environment.
Anastasia Thomas, The Good Shop
How do you source clothes for the store?
“We take a variety of things: clothes, accessories, housewares, shoes, furniture and books that are in good enough condition to ensure dignity for the second user. You can find the full list on our website: thegoodshop.mu.
We also take clothes and furniture that need small repairs. People just have to come and drop off their items in one of our three locations. We also encourage companies to run what we call ‘donation drives’ where all employees have a chance to donate things they no longer need or use for a good cause.”
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?
“We prioritise inclusive employment. 60% of our employees are people with barriers to employment and it often takes a longer time to integrate and empower team members.
Another challenge is to change the common perspective about thrift shops as a shop for the poor and to re-educate people on the matters of sustainability and eco-friendly thinking.”
What are your tips for thrift shoppers?
“Have a list in mind of what you are looking for, as well as an adventurous spirit to find hidden treasures.
Become an advocate of thrifting, telling people around you why you shop sustainably and become an inspiration for others.”
Why should we buy second-hand?
“It saves money, leaves no sense of shopping guilt, positively impacts the environment – and thrift shopping is fun!”
What’s your favourite thing in store?
“The Good Shop upcycles a lot of furniture giving it a new look and a new purpose, making it one-of-a-kind, stylish and durable.”
Details:
The Good Shop, Mauritius
thegoodshop.mu
@thegoodshopmu
