The Garage Sale

Different people have different outlooks and ways to discard what they do not need. “Many times you have clothes that you don't wear. It's just not your kind, so the clothes will anyway not be used. On the other hand, there are people who really want it, who will come and buy. One thing about a garage sale is that you should be honest and not sell unusable stuff,” adds Pratap.

The concept of selling used items is accepted by a particular section of the people. The basic motive is to reach out to the right people. “The response was tremendous. So many people, including south Indian actress Sarika and character actor Raj Zutshi, picked up stuff from my sale,” says Namrata Barua, model-turned-actress who tries to hold garage sale every month, but has since stopped for whatever reasons.

There are people who are involved in social service or community service. “Apart from charity reason, garage sale is a great idea of reaching out to people who would really want to buy your stuff and do not have any inhibitions to use the used things. In the process, the seller also earns a few bucks,” reasons Drishti Mehta, a sophomore who is also into garage sales.

Buyers' views
People are always going to have belongings they have outgrown, no longer need, got as a gift but don't like, or can't remember why they bought in the first place. And for every one of those items, there might be someone out there who would just love it — even if they don't know what they're looking for.

The major participants are mostly youngsters. Where else can they get unbeatable items for incredible prices on all their favourite brands? “The concept is very chic and happening. I cannot afford to buy a designer outfit for my best friend's wedding and I would not mind buying it from a garage sale where you can get the best of used products for a steal,” says Deepali Shah, a teenager. The concept is popular among a segment of people who understand the concept and do not have any issues with it. “I buy secondhand branded stuff from online sites, and I do not hesitate about it,” says Jharna Banerjee, another collegegoer.

There are occasions or celebrations where you can expect to gift or wear expensive clothes. The sales are really helpful. “I do not feel that I am compromising on quality as the clothes that I pick from bazaars or online are in top condition and worth the money you are investing,” voices Reema Kataria, a housewife.

Designerspeak
The concept evokes mixed reactions among designers. Holding a garage sale is good if you are not taking consumers for a ride. Things sold at the sales should be first checked and then put on display. “The concept is good, if one were to consider antiques and vintage pieces, but not for clothes. I feel a person who understands quality of fabric will never compromise on it,” opines Puja Nayyar. A drawback with these sales is trials and fittings. One may contend that the sale should concentrate more on things that are not easily available off the shelf. “People will look for cheap bargains, but will not really expect high-quality clothing. Again, price is also the most conscious factor in a garage sale,” says Deepika Gehani.

On the other hand, “I feel such sales should be encouraged and supported,” says Ken Fernandes. It does not in any way affect the sales prospect for designers. “We would have already moved on to our new collection by the time our clothes are put on sale,” adds Nayyar.

The target consumers of designerwear are upper-class women and socialites. They wear unique and stylish clothes that are made especially for them. And this group of customers may pick up things from sales, but perhaps for charity or donations – certainly not for themselves.

Bold prospects
Garage sales are not run by companies or by any specific industry trade group, and that is precisely why there is no industry-wide database to consult. The concept is one of the biggest retail sectors in the West. In time, if more and more people support the concept or are made aware of it, then it will probably do booming business in the Indian market, too.

Taking into consideration the cultural context of the country, garage sale could get into the full-fledged retailing sector. Besides, the concept can help meet the needs of the society as a whole as against focusing only on maximising profits. Individual and small neighbourhood associations like Residential Welfare Association (RWA) can raise funds by organising garage sales, for charitable purposes like providing free meal for poor or free elementary school. Similar experiments have been successful in the West, where celebrities like Tori Spelling, Kirstie Dirches, Madonna and Tim Burton have raised money for charity.

Changes in buying behaviour, attitudes and buying patterns, and the restructuring of the retail industry, have had a significant impact on small businesses like online sales and the bazaars. While some predict the local retailer may become a thing of the past, there is a bright future for those who can identify and respond to changing consumer needs faster and better than their larger competitors.