Antwerp’s thrift store chain ‘Kringwinkel Antwerpen’ is launching a web shop in order to sell the large recent influx of used clothing. In recent years, more and more clothes have ended up at the Kringwinkel sorting centre. ‘The demand for second-hand clothing has also increased enormously, so an online web shop is a logical step,’ says commercial director Kathleen Hoefnagels.
Kringwinkel Antwerpen already has an auction website, but from 30 January it will also have its own web shop. There you will be able to buy an exclusive selection of textiles, which will then be delivered to your home. The organisation wants to respond to the growing popularity of second-hand shops.
A necessary innovation
Recycle store chain ‘Kringwinkel’ receives numerous donations every day, including huge quantities of clothing. In order to cope with this influx, the non-profit organisation now wants to expand its market.
Help from artificial intelligence
To roll out the web shop, Kringwinkel is using a sorting machine that employs artificial intelligence and smart image recognition.
‘Every item of clothing has to be checked, sorted and photographed. This is extremely labour-intensive,’ says Hoefnagels. ‘Artificial intelligence makes that much easier. The arrival of a smart machine meant it felt like the perfect moment to start an online web shop.’
The smart machine, called “Trosort machine”, detects the brand and size of each item of clothing. It also automatically takes a photo and can even detect wear and tear or damage.
Complementing existing stores
Kringwinkel Antwerpen expects the web shop to be a great success story, just like the chain’s physical stores. ‘We don't think this will replace offline sales, but we do think it can complement them,’ concludes Hoefnagels. ‘People still like to go treasure hunting in one of our shops.’
‘We are in the midst of a social trend in which enormous amounts of textiles are being produced, purchased and resold,’ explains director Hoefnagels. ‘This means that we also have to process more and more clothing.’