As a student at the Kent State School of Fashion, Sheri Bodo learned about the detrimental effects the world of fast fashion has on the environment.
“I just learned about the detriments that fast fashion really does put onto people and other countries we don’t see day-to-day,” Bodo told WYTV.
Bodo, a 2018 merchandising graduate recently started “The Back Rack” with her sister Glenniece. “The Back Rack” is an online thrift store that sells pre-owned, upcycled clothing, that aims to deliver current trends and style staples at an affordable price to limit the consumption of fast fashion in the industry.
Fast fashion is the practice of producing inexpensive clothing that is pushed out to consumers rapidly by mass-market retailers using non-sustainable materials to keep up with the latest trends and styles. The excessive textile production that is needed to maintain fast fashion styles contributes to air pollution and water pollution and has detrimental effects on the environment.
To reduce the fast fashion cycle, the sisters started a new initiative called “Sell to The Back Rack.”
“That allows people, especially right now in COVID, to sell their stuff to us in a virtual way. So instead of having to take things to your consignment store down the street and having to lug around all those things,” Sheri said.
To “Sell to the Back Rack”, users simply snap a few photos of the styles they no longer want, upload them via this form, then their team will review and will offer the seller cash or credit, and the seller ships their styles to the store.
Their shop features an array of styles and sizes to cater to different genders and body types. Although their store is based in the Youngstown, Ohio area, they have already received sales as far away as Australia.
“It’s pretty great that we have that type of outreach that we do. We just want it to grow and we want to make a brand that’s not only eco-conscious but fun,” Sheri said.
For more information, visit The Back Rack’s website or follow them on Instagram or Facebook!
(Image courtesy of The Back Rack)