3 reasons why empty shops are good for the planet
This week, Business of Fashion(1) reported that the number of empty shops in Britain has reached its highest level since January 2015. Store closures may mean unemployment for retail (and sometimes head office) staff, but are they bad for the planet?
We asked Atiti Izogie, the brains behind Made to Order Luxury Affair(2) and owner of made to order brand Eyato London(3) for her opinions.
Q. Atiti, do you view the increase in empty stores in a positive why?
A. Yes. If shops are struggling to sell their products, then they shouldn’t be making them. E-commerce sales are still growing, but I believe the retail crisis isn’t only as a result of the internet and high rents and rates. Fashion cycles are slowing. It’s not in one season, out the next. Look at how long the trainer trend has been around for. Occupied shops full of stock which isn’t going to sell are much worse for the planet than empty shops.
Q. If it’s not the traditional store experience, what do you see as the future of retail?
A. The future of retail needs to be slow fashion rather than fast fashion. Instead of being proud of finding a bargain, purchasers will be happy to talk about the provenance of their new item. That might be who made their piece, or the sustainable or ethical credentials of the brand. Disposable fashion is not sustainable, and is negatively impacting our planet. Physical retail should comprise of ever-evolving spaces, curated in a thought-provoking way. The number of pop-up brand experiences will increase, and made to order brands like my company Eyato London(3) will think of new ways to delight our customers. We’re actually hosting Made to Order Luxury Affair(2) - an event to promote made to order and conscious purchasing - in September.
Q. That sounds exciting. Can you tell us a bit about Made to Order Luxury Affair?
A. Yes, Made to Order Luxury Affair(2) is a new made to order experience launching eight days before London Fashion Week. It is the first ever made to order only market place. Artisan makers will display their creations, inspiring clients to participate in this see, order, wait, receive, and enjoy experience. It is the event not to be missed if you love to express your personality through what you wear.
On September 5th and 6th you will step into the elegant gallery space at 2 Motcomb Street, Belgravia. Instead of paintings and statues, you will find wearable art. We have invited our favourite made to order brands to sit alongside Eyato London(3), to offer an entirely unique approach to retail. Our mission is to help clients combine clothing which expresses their individuality, with a sustainable approach. Clients visiting Made to Order Luxury Affair will commission our talented artisans to create made to order pieces to their precise requirements. They will create garments and accessories you will want to cherish for many years to come.
Q. Please can you summarise your reasons for thinking empty shops aren’t a bad thing?
A.
1. Fewer retail stores means fewer garments being manufactured, which means less waste in production and a reduction in unsold goods.
2. The more shops there are, the less customers value their purchases. Clothing is seen as a commodity product rather than something to look after and cherish.
3. Empty shops can be used in a different way. This encourages creativity. Perhaps a space could be used to teach people how to repair their own clothes, or polish their shoes with a unique patina. Landlords will be forced to consider alternative uses for their units.
Thanks you Atiti for your refreshing perspective. Perhaps store closures shouldn’t be viewed with as much negativity, especially when it comes to the health of our planet.
(2) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-to-order-luxury-affair-tickets-66567959559