Mariska den Hartog launches ‘Schouwse Schatten’ in Burgh-Haamstede, promoting a vibrant marketplace for second-hand goods while tackling clothing waste.
In Burgh-Haamstede, a new venture called ‘Schouwse Schatten’ is set to transform the landscape of second-hand shopping. Situated at Ring 7, a location currently occupied by the Only-U Hairstyling salon until April 18, ‘Schouwse Schatten’ aims to create a vibrant marketplace for second-hand clothing, brocante, and vintage items.
The initiative is spearheaded by Mariska den Hartog, a freelance journalist and editor who has recently decided to channel her creative energies into this new project. Reflecting on her decision to launch ‘Schouwse Schatten,’ den Hartog remarked, “I will definitely continue to write, but the world-changer in me wants to have a chance to contribute as well.” She expressed surprise at how swiftly realizations and impulses guided her towards this entrepreneurial path.
Den Hartog’s motivation to establish ‘Schouwse Schatten’ stems from various personal experiences and insights she gained while accompanying her mother during a medical procedure at Erasmus MC. Observing the compassionate interactions between doctors and patients during this time, coupled with growing awareness around the excess of clothing waste worldwide—exacerbated by the disposable culture highlighted in a Netflix documentary called ‘Buy Now’—inspired her to take action. “What can I contribute?” she pondered, noting the urgent need for change.
In pursuit of this goal, den Hartog began volunteering at ‘Deeltwee,’ a non-profit second-hand store in Goes that donates its profits to charitable causes. She found this experience to be fulfilling, stating, “It was nice to be away from that laptop a bit more often. The whole setup at Deeltwee inspired me tremendously.” This inspiration solidified when she overheard her hairstylist discussing plans to close the salon, prompting her to propose using the space for selling second-hand goods.
With the foundation of ‘Schouwse Schatten’ laid, den Hartog has been busy rallying support. She has gained the landlord’s approval at Ring 7 and received enthusiastic responses from friends and potential volunteers who are eager to participate in the venture. Den Hartog noted, “I can’t do it alone, and I will need a team,” and has already secured a committed volunteer to focus on brocante and vintage items. She is currently in the process of collecting second-hand clothing, which can be dropped off at the Only-U Hairstyling salon.
Den Hartog recognizes the challenges of launching ‘Schouwse Schatten’ but is motivated by her vision of generating income for the operation while also allocating funds for donations to cultural organizations and social initiatives. She clarifies that the establishment will not function as a swap shop, stating, “And everything must be whole and clean, with the mindset ‘would I buy this in this state?’ as advice to those who will bring clothing and items here in the future.”
As ‘Schouwse Schatten’ prepares to open its doors, it aims to serve not just as a retail space, but as a community meeting point, fostering a spirit of collaboration and social awareness.
Source: Noah Wire Services
