New second-hand shop La Tulp in Mettmann: Sustainable fashion for everyone!

New second-hand shop La Tulp in Mettmann: Sustainable fashion for everyone!

A new second-hand shop called “La Tulp” opened in Mettmann on May 31st and is fully committed to sustainable fashion. The owner, Gönül Budak, 50 years old, wants to make the city center more attractive for second-hand clothing and is appealing to a wide target group - from young people to pensioners. The shop at Lutterbecker Straße 5 only offers well-preserved and unusual clothing that has been selected according to strict selection criteria. The store's philosophy is: “By women, for women”.

The fashion industry is one of the most environmentally damaging sectors in the world, which Gönül Budak wants to take into account in her business model. The problems of fast fashion, such as high water consumption and massive amounts of waste, are alarming. According to a report by Zukunftspakt Universities, the production of a cotton T-shirt uses around 2,700 liters of water. Buying second-hand clothing extends the life cycle of the garments, which not only conserves resources but also helps minimize the harmful environmental impact of textile production.

Sustainability in focus

The second-hand and vintage sector is booming these days and is becoming increasingly important. In the DACH region too, the estimated second-hand share of clothing sales will rise to 8% by 2024, an interesting development that shows that more and more consumers are acting in an environmentally conscious manner. The decision to buy second-hand fashion is not only a personal one, but also a political one: 87% of consumers buy used clothing for environmental reasons. In addition, 83% of buyers are convinced of the financial advantages of second-hand shopping.

A physical store has the great advantage that customers can try on clothes and take them with them immediately. Gönül Budak relies on advertising through flyers to inform the Mettmann population about the possibilities of second-hand and sustainable fashion. Their goal is for people to appreciate the quality and craftsmanship behind vintage pieces. Each item offered has its own story, and this promotes awareness of fashion history and individual expression.

A step in the right direction

Choosing second-hand fashion also means an active decision against mass production and fast fashion. With this type of consumption, consumers can significantly reduce their ecological footprint. Extending garments for just three months can reduce carbon footprint and water consumption by up to 10%. It also works very well to support a circular economy in which less clothing ends up in landfills.

Overall, “La Tulp” stands not just for a store, but for a movement in Mettmann that campaigns against fast fashion and for a sustainable future. Gönül Budak and her team warmly welcome everyone to their new store - in the spirit of “By women, for women”.

For further information about this exciting development in the fashion group, please refer to the reports from RP Online, Future pact for universities and Wipub.