How does it work?
PRE.boutique works with a client/sponsor (normally a sustainable minded leader) to bring a pop-up boutique to their location for a sustainable clothes swapping event. See our How our SWAP events work! page and contact us for more details.
Where is the PRE.boutique located?
PRE.boutique is not a traditional boutique in the sense of a brick and mortar store. We work with clients in the Metro Atlanta area and bring our pop-up boutique to their location for sponsored events. You might find us at a place of work or as part of a larger event.
Is the fashion industry really that bad for the environment?
The statistics we have found are really horrible with the clothing and footwear industry being responsible for up to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. We call PRE.boutique "The Art of Sustainable Shopping" as our brand has a positive effect and practially no negative effect on the environment. Even most of our shop fittings are second hand, up-cycled or crafted from used material.
What clothing pieces will be accepted for the PRE.boutique swap?
Good quality clothing of all types and some good quality assessories like bags, belts and scarves. PRE.boutique does not accept swimwear, underware, uniforms or shoes. If in doubt, contact us or talk to our staff at check-in.
What do you mean by "Good Quality" clothing?
Some brands makes clothes that last and look good for many years or even decades. They are made of better or good quality, often natural fabrics with good stitching. They wash well and are often worth repairing, or adjusting. Good quality clothes are great for swapping and passing along. They are generally more expensive to buy new but cost per wear can be low. They rarely cost less than $30 new.
Some brands make clothes that look good for one or two wears. Once they are washed they can look bad and lose their shape. They are mostly made of thinner synthetic material. These are NOT good quality clothes and are generally not suitable for swapping and passing along. They are often called Fast Fashion and have not been made in a sustainable way. They generally cost less than $30 new. PRE.boutique will not be able to accept these and will not put them out on their racks.
Can I bring more than 5 items?
Yes, if they are clean, good quality clothes in good condition you can bring them when you check-in. Please note, that your voucher to shop will still only be valid for 5 pieces. If your extra clothes do not find a home at this swap event, they will be passed along in the most transparent, useful and sustainable way we possibly can. We believe this is an extremely important part of what we do. See our page Where do my pre-loved clothes go?
Why would my pieces of clothing not be suitable?
Strong smells, pet hair, obvious stains, holes or being threadbare. T's with your old gym logo are also not suitable. We ask that the clothes you bring are clean, good quality clothes and in good condition. It makes for a pleasant boutique shopping experience for everyone.
I'm not sure if a piece of clothing I have is suitable for the swap?
You can bring it to the check-in and ask the PRE.boutique staff. If you are unsure about a piece, we suggest you bring a backup.
If a piece is not suitable for the swap, we usually have some other options you might like to consider.
See our page Where do my pre-loved clothes go?
A button fell off the jacket I'd like to swap. Should I bring it anyway?
Yes, please do. We can often figure out minor issues if you bring your items to check-in early and talk with the PRE.boutique staff. Some of our staff are experienced talented sustainable designers or up-cyclers and well versed in helping to find the best way to pass-a-long pieces, in a manner that is both satisfying to PRE.boutique's sustainable goals and the owners wishes. Checking in early is helpful to give us more time to find a good solution. If the item is not suitable for this swap, or not ready in time for this swap, we can suggest and help with alternative options. If you are unsure about a piece, we suggest you bring a backup.
What if I don't find 5 things I like when I come to shop at PRE.boutique?
The clothes in the boutique change over time with new items being put out on the racks throughout the event. We suggest you might like to look again later or the next day if it's a 2 day event. If after that you don't find some things you like, we can give you a voucher for the next swap event that comes to your location. Alternatively you can gift your voucher or a portion of your voucher to a lucky colleague or fellow attendee.
Shopping a clothes swapping event can take a slight shift in mindset and it can be a case of being in the boutique at the right time to find something that works for you.
Please let the staff know what brands or items of clothing you are looking for and they might be able to help.
When you attend a PRE.boutique swapping event, there are no returns once the event is over. As the clothing is pre-loved, sometimes they have issues. As much as we try, sometimes issues are missed when putting items out on the racks for an event. If you find a issue with a piece you got from PRE.boutique and the boutique is still open in your location, please let us know so we can help you swap that item or help you find alternative options, like repairing it.
Do I need to buy a ticket for the swap event?
Each event is different so check out the details of your particular event here.
Some events are sponsored. In this case you may still have to get a free ticket/pass for the swap event.
If the PRE.boutique swap event is part of a larger event, the ticket you already have for the larger event is all you need.
The details of your particular event should be posted here.
Contact us if you need more information.
The Art of Sustainable Shopping
PRE.boutique is built around empowering people to live and shop more sustainably, while providing an exceptional customer experience.
