Welcome to our first ever blog post! Many of you have been curious about what happened to Australia's first ever rent a rack market after it's 2018 opening. It's a story of three partners, then two, and the challenges post covid of reviving a unique business. Hope you enjoy our first blog post and thank you for reading :)
The Birth of the Rent-a-Rack Concept in Australia
Initially, three friends embarked on this ambitious venture. We envisioned a market place that would offer a quirky, affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional consignment stores, just like the market places we knew from back home in Finland. Their popularity started in1980's and remains strong to this day in Finland, where they are called 'self-service flea markets'.
Overnight Popularity
The rent-a-rack concept quickly gained popularity, and taking double the risk to open an all day brunch cafe in the premises, was seem by some as a little bit too ambitious, but for us, it was an all or nothing situation. The early days were exciting, filled with the thrill of building something new. We had secured a prime location in an up and coming area in Prospect, and as we fell in love with Adelaide, Adelaide fell in love with our concept and the racks started filling up fast.
However, fast popularity in the end was our set back and reality proved more challenging than we expected.
The Early Challenges
Following initial joint plans to expand together, one partner decided to split off and open a competing rent a rack market, less restaurant. Even though it was a sad time for us, it ultimately led to greater strength and happiness. We had faced the normal set backs of life and running a business, but little did we know there was tougher times ahead with the arrival of "hurricane covid".
The Spark of a New Beginning
We survived covid thanks to our beautiful and loyal staff, and our fierce determination to keep this unique concept alive. But most of all, thanks to our amazingly loyal customers, suppliers and supporters, who simply wouldn't let us fail. When we were allowed to operate again after a three month hiatus during Covid, we changed everything. Most of the decor, to make it more inviting, upgraded the racks and menu, creating a fresh and vibrant new start. Additionally, we went digital. The only app, that was available for rent a rack markets back then was in Finland and in Finnish, a barrier we couldn't overcome. Initially everything was done manually. Price tags, keeping a tally of customer sales by hand and don't let us start with our rack rental booking system! Somehow we had survived doing this for two years! Then, to our delight, the app became available in English, minimizing errors which could cost our sellers and opening up significant sales opportunities.
The New Era for Rent-a-Rack
The growth of rent a rack markets have been phenomenal since our launch in 2018. Adelaide is now home to tens of rent a rack markets and the trend continues across the country. We couldn't be more proud of our pioneering role in this and excited at what the future holds.
The Importance of Community
Success of rent a rack markets hinges entirely on our stallholders and shoppers who emphasize sustainable fashion. If you're looking to sell your preloved clothes in Adelaide, rent a rack markets are the perfect platform! But with nearly 20 markets across Adelaide, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here's our advise:
Location matters the most for a few different reasons. Is it convenient for you to get there? What are the customer demographics like in that area? Does it fit with the clothes you are selling? Or perhaps try them all! Each market has its own unique vibe and customer base, each with its own unique charm, fashion and opportunities. So we thank all our customers, old and new, for your custom, loyal support and mutual love of the concept that has sustained us this last 7 years. Carpe Diem!
Love to all!
Irene xx
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