“If you have more than you need, leave it; if you need it, take it.”
If you have more than you need, leave it; if you need it, take it – this is a simple idea behind Open Wardrobe. It is located near the marketplace at Kvatrić in Zagreb. Judging by the number of people visiting it, the residents of Zagreb seem to like it a lot. Open Wardrobe at first looks like a second-hand shop, but with one exception – everything is completely free and people can take as many items as they want or can carry, reports Večernji List on October 5, 2018.
“Nowadays, when so many people can barely meet ends meet, this kind of project is praiseworthy,” said Ljiljana Opuhač, adding that at any time and every single day you can find something for you. The outlet filled previously empty and unused premises in the passage of the building located at 71 Martićeva Street.
Nataša Šulek came to the idea for the project. “I saw how many items I actually had that I did not really need. Since I pass through Martićeva every day, I started thinking about contacting the manager of the premises. When he heard the idea, he immediately agreed,” said Šulek.
Open Wardrobe is frequented by both old and young people, both those for whom free clothes are much more than just a few nice pieces, and those who love flea markets because there is always something to be found there. The project was launched in June, but the interest became substantial only after they promoted the project on Facebook.
“I thought that the stock would soon be gone and that there would not be enough people who would donate their clothes. That would lead us into a deficit and the whole concept would fail,” said Šulek. However, after the post on Facebook, the project flourished. People have packed it with “collections” for all seasons, with shoes, books, and some even bring in their own unused wardrobes to protect the clothes from unfavourable weather conditions.
Despite the positive response from citizens and the fact that it is a humanitarian project, Open Wardrobe had to fight with people who would take clothing and then try to sell it at the market. And they even faced two planted fires.
“We have explained to people responsible for theft and fires that the clothes will be here every day and that there is no need for crimes,” said Šulek, adding that they have prevailed in their battle with people, but now a more difficult war is about the begin – the one against winter weather and snow.
Translated from Večernji List (reported by Jelena Ružić).
