Chatting Consignment and Sustainability with Susie Gay, Founder of Slow Current

Slow Current opened this spring in Penticton, with a mission to bring sustainable apparel and accessories to the Okanagan. In a community that prioritizes connection, Susie decided it felt natural to share more than just food, wine, and spirits and decided that Slow Current would offer consignment.

We sat down with Susie Gay, founder of Slow Current, to learn more about her vision. 

Happening: What is your vision for Slow Current? 

Susie: A store that offers current sustainable products at an attainable price-point, while fostering a connection between the companies that make, and the consumers that purchase. To create a space that cultivates community- naturally with a welcoming environment, and through various community events and give-back initiatives. 

Happening: Why did you introduce consignment into Slow Current’s business model? 

Susie: It happened organically. We hosted a sale where people could sell clothes that they were no longer wearing, as this fits well with our mission of sustainability and circular fashion. The number of high-quality clothes we received led us to believe there was a need for this offering in our community, and consequently, our store is now about a quarter consignment, and we're currently reorganizing to make space for more. 

Happening: What assortment do you look for in your consignment program? 

Susie: High-quality pieces that still have a lot of love left in them. We like a mix of designer and slow fashion, but are not opposed to fast fashion brands as we feel this is a way to 'slow it down'; to elongate and make seemingly unsustainable clothes, more sustainable. 

Happening: What are your favourite consignment finds?

Susie: A gorgeous Phillip Lim bag, and some amazing brands still in-store: Rudy Jude, B Sides, Rachel Comey, and many lovely linen wears. 

Happening: How do you practice sustainability through consignment? 

Susie: We feel consignment is such a great extension of our mission and values. Our new brands have incredible impacts. Some support women's freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through self-sustaining jobs. Some help farmers to regenerate their fields for organic practices. Some make swimwear from recycled ocean plastic waste, and some help give people access to clean water. All with a timeless 'slow fashion' style.

Adding consignment is congruent with these existing brands, and we love that it gives new life to clothes potentially diverting from landfills.  

Happening: What is your perspective on style and fashion and how do you integrate that in consignment? 

Susie: I just finished reading a book by the founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard. I like what he said about sustainability in fashion, "The most sustainable clothes you have are the ones you wear all the time." Clothes should not be disposable. We should buy well-made clothes that we love, and wear often. And if they don't fit anymore, or if our preferences change- then consignment is a great way to create circularity. And perhaps someone else will buy and love it as we did. 

Slow Current either pays you cash for a percentage of your consigned items or gives you credit for new or pre-loved items at their store. If you’re looking for a winter side hustle, start sifting through your closet, and give your gently loved clothes a happy new home.

Follow along on Instagram @slow.current.

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