After a boost in your bank balance? A therapeutic wardrobe cleanout might be what you need.

Since the launch of the first store in 2015, Goodbyes co-founder Olivia Mangan has noticed a change in attitudes toward clothes resale. “We don’t have to explain our concept any more, people get it right away and see its value,” she says.

That value is in pushing back against fast fashion’s genericness and helping customers find and express their unique style. At an accessible price point, there’s also value in a monetary sense.

“We’re committed to offering high quality pieces that last, rather than curating particular designers or labels,” Olivia says, adding that customer demand plays a part.

There’s a nice synergy in the business, with people who’ve purchased garments, shoes or accessories from Goodbyes often selling through them as well. “Being able to feel the fabrics, see how it fits – I think a lot of people do like shopping that way,” Olivia says.

“And for sellers, there’s real convenience compared with online selling, a higher margin than rent-a-rack services and our high turnover.”

Co-founders Monique Thomas (left) and Olivia Mangan (right). Olivia’s own wardrobe is “ever-rotating” and “refined” a few times each year. A favourite Goodbyes purchase is a pair of brown suede, knee-high Prada boots from the 90s.

The model has helped the company and its six stores grow to be the largest bricks and mortar fashion resale service in Australia. In the Goodbyes Rundle Street store, they aim to take in at least 800 new pieces each week. Interstate, it’s even higher.

The in-store teams are into fashion in a big way.

“They’re definitely enthusiasts,” shares Olivia. A good eye for quality and an understanding of the fashion landscape and brands are essential skills.

“Because a large part of their role is curating and selecting.”

Interestingly – but not unexpectedly, given the expressive nature of fashion – among the team members are plenty who are carving out creative careers of their own, student or working fashion designers, painters, sculptors and musicians.

Shoppers tend to spend above-average time browsing the racks and trying armfuls of garments on. The stores’ visual cues are more boutique than second-hand, and Olivia shares that the ‘bricks and mortar’ experience and being anchored in a local community are important to her and co-founder Monique Thomas.

“It’s a way that we love to shop and there’ll always be a place in retail for it… to see and feel a garment’s quality before buying and to build relationships with others in the process,” Olivia says.

Cleaning out one’s wardrobe can be therapeutic (and cathartic), an opportunity to live a more considered life and keep only pieces that are loved and make one feel good.

Those no longer sparking joy can be considered for a fresh chapter through Goodbyes.

“We put out new pieces every day, so that also makes it a really exciting experience as there’s always something different in store,” Olivia says.

Anyone who’s sold online will know it’s not the easiest process: listing, photographing, messaging back and forth with potential buyers, getting paid, packaging items up and shipping. Because it’s all happening in the digital realm, it can also feel less connected in a human sense.

In a physical store in a local community, it’s like transferring the joy one found in a much-loved piece to a friend. Of a friend. Of a friend.

Convenient and fuss-free

Sellers receive 50 per cent of the selling price (minus GST and a 50c handling fee per item). High turnover means pieces sell quickly!

To sell you’ll need:

• A valid photo ID
• To be 16+ years of age
• An email address

It’s in the details

Olivia says quality fabrics, skilled garment construction and unique and surprising details are what they look for. Garments should be freshly washed and in good condition.

Items are selected for the current season and a little ahead. This helps to ensure stock is relevant and sells quickly.

From October, they’ll be accepting summer pieces.