news

30^th November 2009

Press Release

New Concept in Recycling Launched at Junction One

New Junction One based outlet, the Used Clothing Co. has taken the generations old concept of the ‘rag and bone’ business and given it an enterprising modern twist. The company managed by Nicola Doyle currently has a staff of seven and buys unwanted good quality clothing, shoes, belts, bed-linen, curtains and hand-bags from individuals and groups which it then sells on to retail businesses in Eastern Europe and in particular Poland and Hungary.

Customers bring items in bags to the company’s Junction One base or book a home collection, then bags are weighed with 50 pence paid for every kilogram of product.

Explained manager Nicola Doyle, “In the current economic downturn our service provides customers with the choice to earn extra cash or nominate a charity to receive money raised. At Used Clothing Co. we aim to target not only individuals but also schools, community groups and organisations who want to fund raise for projects or charity initiatives. We can even provide organisations with bags and labels which they can then distribute to their members and we’ll arrange to collect filled bags from a central location.”

“Since we’ve launched at Junction One the response from the public has been fantastic. We’ve already promoted the concept in the Antrim area and are marketing the initiative by mail shot to organisations and homes throughout Northern Ireland.  We’re also in the process of identifying potential additional retail outlets”

Backing the new business operation Junction One Centre Manager Leona Barr said, “We’re delighted to welcome the Used Clothing Co. to Junction One and it has already proved hugely popular with customers both locally and further afield. Whilst this business concept has been up and running in England for several years, the Used Clothing Co. is the first of its type in Northern Ireland and will help families, schools, youth organisations and community groups raise additional funds.”

In addition to selling on products to retail companies in Eastern Europe, the Used Clothing Co. also has links with a range of charities both in Northern Ireland, Europe and Africa including Belfast based ‘Food for Thought Africa.’ The charity sets up programmes in African schools to help children obtain a good education and ultimately come out of the poverty trap.