The Encore Clothing Friendship Pop Up Shop opened on Tuesday as joint venture staffed by Migrant Resource Centre (Northern Tasmania) volunteers and stocked by community donations cared for by the team at Self Help Workplace.

The idea stemmed from a recent meeting between Self Help Workspace general manager Donna Bain and Migrant Resource Centre chief executive Ella Dixon.

“We have a second hand clothing outlet out in Youngtown and we were looking for a pop-up shop space in town,” Ms Bain said.

“Ella and I were catching up to talk about some opportunities to work together and she mentioned that she had this free wonderful space in her building, so the idea grew from there.”

All clothing stocked in the store has been quality checked, washed and ironed by Self Help Workplace – who also operate a recycled clothing store in Youngtown.

“We employ 52 adults with a disability at Youngtown and one of their roles in the shop is to do the washing and ironing and pricing,” Ms Bain added.

“Both of our organisations are really passionate about inclusion and we were keen to work together.”

The shop was new ground for the organisation according to Ms Dixon, but one they were very excited about.

“This is very new for us – we haven’t done retail before – but we’re always up for new experiences,” she said.

One of the goals of the venture is to provide a space for Migrant Resource Centre clients to learn the retail ropes.

“I think that’s one of the great things about the not-for-profit is that we can be flexible, we can be nimble and try to pilot things with very little cost and just a little goodwill and cooperation between two like-minded organisations,” Ms Dixon added. 

The pop-up shop, located at the Migrant Resource Centre’s Cameron Street site, is open until December 20 with donations accepted until December 13.

While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up here.