Randaberg: This weekend’s second-hand market attracted over 2,500 visitors, featuring a variety of items and record participation from sellers. Despite the large turnout, many goods remained unsold, with plans for unsold items to be donated to charitable causes including orphanages and local families in need.
This past weekend, the second-hand market in Randaberg attracted over 2,500 visitors, showcasing a variety of items including clothes, shoes, books, and toys at the Varen cultural site. Despite the large turnout, significant quantities of items remained unsold by the end of the event.
Anne Brit Westby and her sister Annette Rygg Kjærstad, who have organised the market for the 27th time, reported record participation with over 80 sellers filling more than 330 large racks with clothing. “We have never had more items for sale and never had more sellers in action,” Kjærstad stated. Last year, the event resulted in the donation of over 60 large Ikea bags worth of goods to charitable causes, alongside a surplus of 265,000 kroner distributed to orphanages in Colombia and Kenya. Westby expressed hopes to surpass that total this year.
The event this year marked a notable expansion, as for the first time, adult clothing was available. Westby noted an increasing number of adult customers, indicating a shift in market dynamics. “The influx from adults has been increasing. Now we have offerings for everyone, from the tiniest newborns to XXL in adult sizes,” Westby explained. Kjærstad added that while the market traditionally focused on children’s items, there is a growing trend of recycling among young families and adults.
Among those shopping were Ingrid Klungtveit and Andreas Jørgensen from Stavanger, who were accompanied by their nine-month-old son Johannes. Klungtveit noted the appeal of second-hand shopping, particularly for its convenience and wide range of quality items, especially during the sale on Sundays when prices were halved. Jørgensen also echoed this sentiment, citing the enjoyable experience of attending the market compared to conventional retail stores.
Regular visitors included 11-year-old Erle Tolo Engebretsen and her mother, Silje Tolo Engebretsen, who expressed satisfaction with finding quality second-hand items at affordable prices. Silje emphasized their family’s commitment to sustainable shopping practices, which encompass both market visits and online platforms like Finn and Tise.
For the organisers, both the substantial turnout and the unsold items at the event exceeded expectations. Westby highlighted a commitment to recycling and ensuring the quality selection for shoppers. Many of the unsold items will be donated to various charitable organisations, including Randaberg parish, which assists underprivileged local families and refugees. Additionally, some items will contribute to relief efforts in Ukraine, and summer clothing will be sent to an orphanage in Brazil. Kjærstad remarked, “For us, there is a lot of motivation in charity. It gives our work meaning.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
