A popular preloved clothing market is connecting sustainable fashion with community as they look to expand and spotlight local business. Find out why people are obsessed.
The SAHN markets have been making their way around Townsville for a little over a year after founders Sarah Valinoti and Hannah Bradley sought to reduce the negative impact of fast fashion while boosting the thrift community in Townsville.
“It was one of those things that was really big down south, and it was kind of floating in my head for ages,” Ms Valinoti said.
“Everyone was so supportive, and it literally just went bang, and by our second market we were selling out,” Ms Bradley said.
“It’s just a cool environment because there are so many people who appreciate that, appreciate the sustainable side of it, appreciate the fashion side of it, and appreciate the community side.”
(L-R) Hannah Bradley and Sarah Valinoti, founders of SAHN markets in Townsville
SAHN markets occur once a month and feature stalls from anyone in the community who wants to sell their preloved clothes, creating a unique collection of different sizes and styles.
The dynamic duo are constantly evolving the markets to include local small businesses or introducing new events such as ‘Sip and thrift’ on a Friday night as their popularity continues to grow.
SAHN Markets has taken Townsville by storm, boosting the thrifting community
“A lot of girls are saying to us that they don’t want to go and drop $200 on a dress. They would rather go and see what’s at SAHN and pick up a set here or pick up a bag or accessories,” Ms Bradley said.
“I think there used to be a real tarnish against second-hand stuff, there was a real kind of misconception about it,” Ms Valinoti said.
“But it’s a testament to the people of Townsville, they want to do stuff, and they want to shop sustainably, and they want to be conscious of these things, and there is a cost of living crisis, so they don’t want to go to the shops.”
The overwhelmingly positive response to the fashion venture has been a credit to the woman’s hard work and dedication while they balance their full-time jobs and personal lives.
“It does take our whole weekend which we enjoy because it’s a lot of prep the day before and loading the van, building racks and all that stuff … but we love it” Ms Bradley said.
The founders said that this year they will be hosting one of their biggest markets yet with shoppers told to keep an eye out for exciting updates.