Every year, Australians dump 260 million kilograms of unwanted clothing into landfill. That’s an average of 10 kilograms per person. We know fast fashion is bad for the environment – but how can we do better? While we love a good Depop dive, shopping for second-hand clothes online can be risky – quality and sizing is a gamble – and selling to strangers is even dicier.
Enter Goodbyes: a curated fashion marketplace that’s the conduit to your new favourite piece.
Goodbyes founders Monique Thomas and Olivia Mangan opened their first store in Brunswick eight years ago. “[At that time] no one else in Australia was doing resale at such a large scale,” Thomas tells Broadsheet. The pair’s industry experience helped them develop a model that was more than just recycling, but could even compete with buying new. “We’re [now] the largest resale bricks-and-mortar service in Australia,” says Mangan.
Last week they opened their sixth store (their first in South Australia) on Rundle Street. Standing proudly among a host of fashion names, the outpost broadens a network that already spans Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra.
“We were thrilled when this spot came up in Adelaide,” Thomas says. “I’ve always been drawn to the east end for its hospo and boutique retail scene. The location feels really fortunate.”
According to Mangan, Goodbyes’ success comes down to on volume and variety. “Curation and quality are what make us competitive,” says Mangan. “We’re a destination for people to shop and sell.”
“We look for good quality garments that will last through different owners,” Thomas adds. “Good construction, good fabric, classic, timeless styles, unique quality – something you wouldn’t find elsewhere.”
Each Goobyes store takes in between 800 to 1000 meticulously hand-picked pieces per week. Time on the rack is capped at seven weeks, so there’s always fresh garb up for grabs. Sales are on consignment, with sellers receiving a cut of the final price – and anyone can play. “It’s very much a clean-out-you-wardrobe situation,” Mangan says.
Goodbyes Adelaide
206 Rundle Street, Adelaide
(08) 8151 1202
Hours:
Mon to Fri 10am–6pm
Sat 10am–5.30pm
Sun 11am–5pm
[goodbyes.com.au](https://www.goodbyes.com.au/]
@goodbyes
