Euro has been tough on second-hand clothing shops

This year has been tough on the second-hand clothing market. With rising prices, cut-throat competition and choosy customers, it has become a tough market, especially after Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015.

Vaida Baliukonienė, the owner of a number of second-hand clothing shops in Alytus, Southern Lithuania, however, knows what it takes to survive in the business.

According to the 41-year-old entrepreneur, with the adoption of the euro much has changed. “Most people no longer buy things spontaneously, they no longer purchase garments because they may look good. They judge whether the item is necessary at the time,” Baliukonienė says, admitting that second-hand clothing has become more expensive as of late.

Despite the increasingly difficult market, she says she cannot complain about a lack of customers, being assured she know what makes clients return.

With the Alytus second-hand clothing market increasingly congested, the entrepreneur focuses on interaction with clients, helping them choose or offering exclusive articles of clothing not found in other stores.

A major role is also played by various special offers, albeit the store owner notes it is difficult to decide how much a piece of clothing should cost.

DELFI