Where is the best unknown place to shop in Tokyo? Well, the answer is easy – at the ABC recycle shop in Mitaka! It’s nestled at the foot of a low-traffic stairway leading into Mitaka station.
On October 8th the girls got a chance to speak with one of the ladies who works there, when she wasn’t busy helping customers. Here are some excerpts from our Q&A:*
Pleated sweater with buttons at collar, ¥2625.
What is a recycle shop?
It’s a second-hand shop. We have about 500 customers on consignment; they sell clothes here, and sometimes we buy used clothes.
Le Sportsac white glitter shoulder bag with cosmetic pouch, ¥7350.
Do you have any guidelines for the clothes you accept?
They should be no more than 2-3 years old and in good condition. We don’t accept men’s clothing.
Purple satin sleeveless top, ¥3990.
Are fashion trends or particular brands important?
Fashion not so much, but sometimes if a customer brings in a popular brand we like to buy it.
Black 3/4 sleeve cotton/wool evening top with velvet trim, ¥1680.
What do you like about working here?
I like meeting the customers that come into the store (like the interviewer).
What do you think about fashion?
I don’t hate it, but I don’t like it either.
Khaki trench coat with accenting black bow at waistline, ¥11,550.
Brown knee-length coat with green bag, ¥10,500 and ¥2520.
*The responses were paraphrased based on segments of the conversation. Words and phrases were added to streamline the responses.
Model: Ami Matsuzawa
Text: Adelle McElveen
Translator: Ami Matsuzawa
Pictures: Adelle McElveen
Layout: Adelle McElveen
