I wanted to give it a go and learn new things. It's good to be part of a team.
- Joshua, McCallum client
A HIGH-end fashion boutique for pre-loved clothing aims to help change shopping culture in Ballarat.
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NancyMac is already sparking a flurry of interest among the city's savvy shoppers ahead of its September opening.
The pop-up boutique, run by McCallum Disability Services, will showcase pre-loved items on behalf of the seller with the shop allowing McCallum clients work experience in retail.
About 250 items have already been flagged with the organisation for sale even though drop-off does not start for another fortnight.
McCallum business development manager Matt Vallance said the concept for the pop-up shop was developed as a way to tap into the high-end fashion market and increased social conscious for sustainable fashion.
There is so much fast fashion and items might only last in fashion for one to two seasons. We've found social media marketplaces flooded with people trying to sell their clothes online.
"There is so much fast fashion and items might only last in fashion for one to two seasons. We've found social media marketplaces flooded with people trying to sell their clothes online," Mr Vallance said.
"This way, we can keep business in town at the same time as offering work experience."
McCallum is working to lock in a store space but Mr Vallance confirmed the shop would be in central Ballarat, making it easier to attract foot traffic and because this was easier for clients to independently make their way to work.
The shop project is part of McCallum's school leavers employment support program. Eleven participants will have shifts in a supported shop environment.
Mr Vallance said participants were learning everything from merchandise to marketing, money mangement and retail skills.
Participant Joshua said this will be his first experience working in fashion and it was a great opportunity.
"I wanted to give it a go and learn new things. It's good to be part of a team," Joshua said. "I can't wait until it opens."
Community members can upload details about their garment online and, if it meets the shop's criteria, McCallum will sell it in the pop-up shop during September. Sellers will receive 80 per cent of a pre-determined sale price while the remaining 20 per cent of the sale will cover overhead costs for the not-for-profit venture.
NancyMac is named in honour of Nancy McCallum, the widow of McCallum's founder.
More: nancymac.com.au
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