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Photo by Limuel Martine
The Salvation Army in Sydney, Australia, launched a new idea to increase thrift store sales and simultaneously make the stores more accessible: the “Salvonista Mobile Boutique.”
The van, eco-friendly and powered by sustainable energy, is essentially a mobile department store, complete with pop-ups, racks made of wooden crates, and clothes, shoes and accessories.
Salvos Stores Marketing Manager Freddy Choo introduced the pop-up store at its launch in September.
“Apart from the fashion items, we also [have] a computer kiosk and a mobile phone recharging station, all powered by sustainable energy,” Choo said.
The goal of the project is to encourage fashionwise, savvy and budget-conscious customers to shop at the local Salvo Stores. It also hopes to meet clothing needs for those struggling financially, said Major Bruce Harmer, Salvation Army Australia Eastern territorial communications and public relations secretary.
Choo and Neville Barrett, Salvos Stores general manager, believe the term “Salvonista” goes deeper than just having a passion for fashion.
“With the name Salvonista, we wanted it to be a catch-cry,” Barrett said. “Essentially, it’s about involving young people in The Salvation Army. We want to reach those people who are yet to know what The Salvation Army does in the community.”
The project has acquired Lynette Bolton, fashion commentator on local T.V. for Seven Network’s “Sunrise” and “The Morning Show” programs, as brand ambassador.
“Being a Salvonista is not just about looking fabulous on the outside, but most importantly doing a wonderful thing for the community and feeling wonderful on the inside as well,” Bolton said.
For more information visit salvonista.com.au.
