Westwood Village is set to become a haven for sustainable shoppers as 2nd Street, a popular Japan-based consignment store, prepares to open its doors. Specializing in second-hand luxury, vintage, and streetwear clothing, 2nd Street is poised to offer UCLA students and the wider community a unique and eco-conscious retail experience. Executive Director of the Westwood Village Improvement Association, Michael Russell, anticipates the store will be welcoming customers before the end of July.
For those unfamiliar, 2nd Street operates on a consignment model, providing an avenue for individuals to sell their pre-owned garments for cash or store credit. This circular approach to fashion is a key element of 2nd Street’s appeal, as highlighted by Miles Garofola-Lam, the internal social director of Refine LA, UCLA’s sustainable fashion club. Garofola-Lam, a cognitive science student, notes the diverse range of brands available at 2nd Street, from niche online labels to well-known designer names, promising shoppers the chance to uncover truly distinctive vintage finds.
With a growing presence of 37 locations across the United States, 2nd Street’s expansion reflects a commitment to tackling the significant issue of textile waste. The company’s website emphasizes its mission to combat the staggering 15 million tons of clothing that end up in US landfills each year. By offering a platform for buying and selling pre-owned clothing, 2nd Street presents a tangible alternative to the detrimental cycle of fast fashion.
Garofola-Lam expresses enthusiasm for 2nd Street’s arrival near UCLA, viewing it as a positive shift away from fast fashion retailers prevalent in Westwood, such as Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters. The fast fashion industry’s rapid production of inexpensive clothing from unsustainable materials contributes significantly to environmental degradation. A 2023 United Nations Environment Programme report revealed that while clothing purchases have increased by 60% since 2000, garments are worn for only half as long. This trend fuels overproduction and escalating waste, creating an unsustainable loop.
“It’s just an endless cycle of more and more waste, which is really bad for the environment,” Garofola-Lam stated, emphasizing the urgency of adopting “more circular and regenerative fashion choices.” Consignment stores like 2nd Street champion this circularity by extending the lifespan of clothing and reducing the demand for new production.
Mindy Luo, president of Refine LA, further underscores the environmental benefits of consignment shopping. Luo, an art history and cognitive science student, argues that secondhand stores are the most eco-friendly shopping destinations, even surpassing brands marketing themselves as “sustainable.” She points out that even sustainable brands contribute to new production, whereas “Secondhand is the best option because it doesn’t require any new clothes to be produced.” 2nd Street, with its focus on quality items, could serve as an accessible entry point into the world of secondhand shopping for newcomers, according to Luo.
However, Luo also suggests that while 2nd Street is a welcome step towards greater sustainability in Westwood, the area could benefit from a wider variety of consignment options. She points out that 2nd Street’s emphasis on higher-end clothing might pose challenges for students seeking more budget-friendly options or looking to consign items of lesser monetary value. “I’m actually shocked that there aren’t more thrift stores in Westwood because I feel like there’s such a big community at UCLA who do love secondhand clothing,” Luo remarked, advocating for the future development of more accessible thrift options in Westwood.
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Russell echoes the sentiment that 2nd Street’s sustainability focus aligns well with Westwood’s broader goals. He notes that the Westwood Village Improvement Association actively promotes sustainability through initiatives supporting eco-friendly transportation, such as improved bicycle infrastructure and public transport access. The arrival of 2nd Street further strengthens this commitment to environmental consciousness within the community.
Luo anticipates a positive reception from UCLA students and the Westwood community for the new 2nd Street store. “I’m really excited to see also students’ responses to opening up,” she said. “I’m hoping it also can serve as a place where our community can get together and meet up.” As Westwood Village prepares to welcome 2nd Street, the promise of accessible vintage and sustainable fashion is set to enrich the local retail landscape and resonate with environmentally conscious shoppers.
