Making Space: Our Sustainable Sale for Beautiful Home Goods
For 15 years, we mostly avoided a sale at Verdant. We’ve preferred to believe that every piece of fabric, cushion, or lampshade we bring in or make is beautiful and that it will eventually find a home. And, mostly, it does.
But over time we’ve realised we need to shift some stock. Sometimes, trying to divert everything from landfill can feel…. a little like hoarding. (My husband would agree, especially since we have a relative with those tendencies!) Currently, we’re carefully stockpiling small amounts of fabric off-cuts, stripped blinds and curtain fabrics in sorted bags, ready for eventual repurpose or a textile recycling facility.
Some of what we get in is ex-display, short ends, or what the trendy term calls “deadstock.” As creatives, we’re constantly given ideas and suggestions for new stock. Some of those ideas we follow through on, some are winners, and some customers don’t even realise the full range of things we can make!
As a small business and a bit of a Jill of all trades, we don’t always get a chance to promote the great things we create. And being financially sustainable means that occasionally we need to move some slower sellers at a reduced price.
A stocktake sale lets us do this without compromising our values or the environment. Part of sustainability is using what already exists. Short ends, ex-display pieces, and deadstock fabric all can have a chance to shine in the home, without contributing to overproduction.
For our customers, it’s a chance to access well-made, beautiful products at a reduced price. For us, it’s a practical way to reduce waste and ensure every piece has a purpose. Sustainability isn’t always about buying new. Sometimes it’s about choosing what’s already here.