The pandemic kept many people stuck at home, and while they were there, they took to online shopping in droves. In fact, according to a report by Digital Commerce 360, online clothing sales rose nearly 22%, while offline sales dropped 40% during 2020. Not only are people increasingly going online for their clothing shopping, but they are also turning to secondhand purchases. This is one reason why companies such as Beeja May are booming and blooming.
“We are thrilled at how so many people are turning to not only purchasing online, but are seeking out secondhand clothing,” explains Christine Trinh, co-owner of Toronto-based Beeja May. “Our sales are strong, and everyone involved benefits from that. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Beeja May, an online secondhand clothing store, opened in 2019. The idea came about after Trinh found it difficult, time-consuming, and unfulfilling trying to obtain secondhand clothing during her pregnancy and after the baby was born. Spending time meeting with strangers, sifting through huge lots of clothing, and other issues left her feeling like there should be something better. So she and her husband took to creating it themselves.
Today, Beeja May offers tens of thousands of secondhand clothing items, and the process to shop has been simplified. Shoppers can shop by age (i.e., newborn to 24 months, toddlers, kids, maternity, etc.), by brands (i.e., Gap, Mini Mioche, Zara, Roots, etc.), and more. Plus, the items have all been carefully curated and inspected prior to be being listed, so there’s no unwelcome surprises when someone receives their package in the mail.
The simplicity and organization are just two reasons why Beeja May has become so popular in such a short time. Here are six other reasons why business is booming:
Value. By shopping secondhand online you can save money. As inflation keeps people spending more for less, they are opting instead to get more for their money by choosing secondhand clothing. You can get higher-quality clothing at lower prices.
Environmental. There’s a lot of waste that goes into the clothing industry. Too many products are barely worn and then tossed aside, creating waste. This negative cycle impacts the planet. By opting for secondhand clothing, people are helping the environment.
Convenience. Purchasing online keeps people from having to run around to multiple stores to find what they want. They can sit at the park, doctor’s office waiting room, or school pickup line and do some shopping.
Variety. Going to a store in person traps people into a small selection of clothing that is available at that moment. When you purchase secondhand, and especially online, you vastly widen your selection to choose from.
Support. Many people opt to support Beeja May because they like the mission. Not only does the online store help the planet, but each month, it provides a gift card to a family in need of clothing, and collaborates with its community to provide cash donations to local charities that support families.
Collaboration. Beeja May offers a convenient way for families to responsibly pass on their used children’s clothes and ensure that they’re kept out of landfills. They offer free porch pickup in many areas, and families can rest assured knowing that all their used clothes will go to families.
“We are appreciative of the support we have had so far and look forward to growing even more,” added Simon Tan, co-owner. “Our inventory is stocked with great secondhand clothing for the whole family, and it’s all available at affordable prices.”
Beeja May offers name-brand clothing, organic clothing, and ways that people can save on their orders, including by combining shipping and a robust loyalty program. In addition to children’s clothing, the store offers maternity and nursing wear, books and footwear. Last year, Beeja May launched its Rescues Collection where they partner with wholesalers and retailers to offer damaged box, overstock and minor defect items at discounted prices, and saving them from landfills. They have amazing brands such as Juddlies, Ergopouch, Robeez and more that can be found in their Rescues Section. Beeja May plans to expand its Rescues in 2022. It also has a zero waste shop, offering a variety of essentials, such as soap, dryer balls, reusable food wraps, pot scrubbers, lotion, shampoo, and more. To get more information about Beeja May or shop their collection, visit the site at: https://www.beejamay.com/.
Prior to founding Beeja May, Trinh worked in the real estate development industry as a development manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. Her co-founder, Simon Tan, worked in private equity prior to Beeja May, focusing primarily on the acquisition of industrial and manufacturing businesses. Simon holds an accounting degree from York University and is a CFA charter holder.
