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two swansea university students have tapped into the growing demand for retro and second-hand clothing with the opening of their vintage clothes store in swansea.
The Retro and Vintage Store – otherwise known as RAVS - opened earlier this year in Picton Arcade in the city centre and sells quality vintage and second-hand clothing in store, as well as many items through their online Depop shop.
RAVS was the brainchild of students Sion Williams, 20, and Caitlin Leatham, 21, who both study Business Management.
The idea came about after observing a remarkable demand for retro and vintage clothing amongst the vast student population, with both Sion and Caitlin joining forces to take their business forward as a partnership.
After the pair both secured start-up funding through GoCompare as part of their entrepreneurship module, they took out a lease on the shop and refurbished the store before launching.
“The idea came from the fact that I’m passionate about retro and vintage clothing and believe it’s important to encourage as many people as possible to wear pre-loved clothing,” said Sion.
“Fast fashion produces waste in excess of 300,000 tons a year in the UK alone which is a worrying, growing statistic.
“I’m personally very interested in the style and sustainability aspects of this kind of clothing and a strong believer that more should be done to lower this number and believe that the introduction of more vintage shops will play its part.”
Caitlin, who is originally from Newbury, added: “Vintage fashion is continuing to increase in popularity, especially among fashion and environmentally conscious students.
“The store has a strong customer base and I cannot wait to watch the brand grow.”
You can find out more about RAVS by checking out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RAVSonline or by visiting their online Depop shop (@ravsonline).