Charity shop broadens reach through e-commerce

Internet Retailing

9th May 2017

The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre is taking to the world of e-commerce in an ambitious way with a newly revamped online store that puts second-hand first.

“Whilst there are many online platforms for selling collectable, rare or unique items, we wanted to re-create the eclectic feel of The Bower via our own online store,” Guido Verbist, The Bower’s general manager, said.

“With more and more donations arriving daily, and more people interested in using items that are too good to throw away, we wanted to reach that wider audience and show the range and quality of goods available at very affordable prices.”

The website features everything from collectible china to vintage hand tools, antique radiograms to 1970s vinyl, books, kitchen appliances and bike parts.

Shipping is available for $9.95, or customers can pick up online purchases at the Marrickville store.

The charity shop’s online store was made possible thanks to a six-month grant from the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC).

With ten councils within the SSROC region signed up to The Bower’s Collection & Rehoming Service, the online store is an additional avenue for the charity to find new homes for second-hand items.

“Sydneysiders are keen to rehome items that are too good to throw away but sometimes struggle with how to do that,” Hazel Storey, SSROC’s strategic coordinator for resource recovery and waste, said.

“The Bower online store will help make it easy. It’s good for the environment and good for the back pocket.”