Innovation

Jane's innovation is building her brand and shop to be different. Jane aspired to make a shop that is distinct in hopes of slowing down fast fashion and helping people acquire lower-cost clothing. This is achieved with 8,000 partners in a small community to come together as one. Creating a unique shop with a focus on affordability and sustainability is an asset to Wolfville. With a great message, Jane's can be impactful and empower consumers to make more sustainable choices.

Inspiration

Sixteen years ago people aged 15-22 did not engage in thrifting. Jane was a single parent who worked for her family business and realized this would not let her grow or have something of her own. Jane shopped at thrift stores and second-hand stores for items and clothing, especially due to an impending recession. Around this time, she decided to open Jane's Again. This innovative second-hand store opened minds. After the 2008 recession, people appreciated the additional options and flexibility when shopping for clothes. The clothes may not be brand new but they are new to the customers.

Overall impact

The impact of Jane's Again is that it inspires people to come together in a small community to slow down fast fashion and make clothing affordable. Jane created a shop here in Wolfville, Nova Scotia with the idea of being a player in the consignment and thrift shop community. This business idea grew from the notion of helping others to help yourself. Jane stepped up and empowered others for change.

More broadly, we need to change the status quo business practices as we can no longer afford business as usual. Sustainable and affordable choices need to be available. Not everyone has the same circumstances or opportunities, so we need to make sure that everyone has a chance at being the best they can be.

Business benefit

Jane's Again raises funds via partners bringing in clothes and selling those items. Jane then gives a certain amount of money back to the partner and keeps the rest as profit to maintain the shop and pay the employees.

In a small community, when someone is doing something good it's easy to get people's attention and help. Partners are huge within Jane's business as they are what keeps Jane's Again in business. With such a great message and impactful brand, Jane's was able to grow to 8,000 partners over the last 16 years. It's a wonderful thing when people come together for a good cause, especially when it's for a local shop.

Social and environmental benefit

Jane's Again benefits society by bringing people together to help the community while making money to keep itself going. The business makes clothes affordable for women in the town of Wolfville.

Further change is needed within the clothing world. Fast fashion is a major issue, and we need more shops like Jane's. We need businesses that will take action and empower others with a great brand that is relatable and impact-oriented. Profit plays a major role in business, but we need values to drive business as well. We live in a world where we have major issues and if we don't act now, then it will be too late. As such, it's refreshing to see a local shop doing something great in its community. Thank you to Jane's for this opportunity to gain insightful business tips about ways we can create a better world within business.

Interview

Jane, Owner