It’s nearly Secondhand September, which feels like the perfect time to look back on 25 years of secondhand goodness at Wastebusters and ahead to what the future holds (and how you can help).
In September 2000, Wastebusters opened its doors for the very first time. The shop – built by our community – looked a little more industrial back then, with our big cardboard bailer right in the middle of the floor and shelves stacked with heaters, electronics, bric-a-brac and more. Space was shared fifty-fifty between the bailer and the shop floor.
Step inside today and you’ll still recognise it, but you’ll notice some big changes. The bailer has moved to the backyard with all the recycling, and the shop is now bursting with wacky décor, fun posters, interesting artwork, and funky finds hanging from the ceiling. Back in the early 2000s, clothing was just a small part of what we sold – now it’s our most donated item and one of the main reasons people come through our doors.
We’ve had so many treasures come and go over the years, and some of them are pure 2000s nostalgia. Think trusty Nokia 3310s, booming CD stereos, fondue sets, crystal sherry glasses… and fashions we thought were gone for good. Low-rise jeans, puffer jackets and platform sandals are all back in style, and every so often we get those magic moments when someone picks something up and says, “Oh my! This used to be mine twenty years ago.” That’s the magic of secondhand.
The rise of secondhand
September is all about making secondhand your first choice. Every purchase keeps good things in use and supports our community’s zero waste mahi. Whether you’re hunting for a retro jacket, a bookshelf, or something you didn’t even know you needed, you never know what you’ll find at Wastebusters.
Since we opened in 2000, donations have steadily grown, but in recent years they’ve exploded, especially clothing. It’s now our number one most donated item, and with it has come a new generation of shoppers choosing secondhand first.
In that same time, fast fashion has driven global clothing production to more than double, creating 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year and producing more emissions than all international flights and shipping combined (UNEP, McKinsey). At Wastebusters, we see the effects of this overproduction every day, and we know shopping secondhand is one of the simplest, most impactful solutions. The good news? More people are making that choice. In 2024, resale made up 9% of global clothing sales and is set to double by 2030 (ThredUp). Being voted Best Clothing Store in Wānaka, as a reuse shop, shows just how much our community values pre-loved.
If you love shopping secondhand, come celebrate with us at the Wastebusters 25th Anniversary Community Celebration Day on 20th September. Enjoy 25% off for one day only, along with a fun, community-focused celebration.
