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WITH the party season drawing to a close, the New Year will inspire many a clear-out of wardrobes and cupboards ... but then comes the question of what to do with all that unwanted clobber.
You may want to go the charity shop route but if you are the proud possessor of designer gear that you are never likely to wear again but are loathe to give away, then Attitude Exchange could be the answer.
Opened during Ramadan in Adliya, Attitude Exchange is the brainchild of Australian lawyers Victoria Sim, 33, and Joanne Emerson, 36, who work for British firm Norton Rose.
The business takes on unwanted designer and high-end clothing and offers it for sale handing the proceeds, less commission, back to the original owner or donating the cash to a charity of the owner's choice.
Joanne said: "Being from Australia we're very used to the idea of recycling and there are lots of clothing exchange-type places there but there was nothing like it here.
"We got the idea just from looking at how much unwanted items we had ourselves and realised others, particularly women, are often in very much the same position.
"Obviously we're not saying don't give things to charity shops but you know, sometimes you look at a designer item that's in good condition and you think 'well it's too good to go for a few dinars in a charity shop but I don't want it any more.'
"This way your designer dress or handbag can go to someone who really wants it and is willing to pay that little bit more and, if you wish, a charity can still benefit."
Once contacted, the Attitude Exchange ladies will either visit your home or you can take your unwanted items to the shop, which is attached to the Attitude premises in Adliya.
They will examine the clothing and set a price and then it's just a case of waiting for a sale.
Joanne said: "It's really beginning to take off. At first we just had our own things and some clothes from our friends then we put adverts around and about and when we started during Ramadan we had 300 items.
"We've had calls to go out to homes where there are whole wardrobes full of stuff that has just never been worn and people are happy for us to take the whole lot away.
"Originally we intended to stick to purely designer labels but we decided that, for the time being at least, we would take other good quality clothes too as long as they are in good condition."
Victoria added: "Women in Bahrain love to socialise so they often have extensive wardrobes but they don't want to keep wearing the same thing again and again and there are often people going home after a few years here who may not be keen to transport their whole wardrobe, particularly if they are going to a different climate.
"Also women in the Arab world love clothes, particularly designer fashions, and it's these groups of people we are most keen to attract.
"We're hopeful of tapping into the high end of society who can make sure their clothes don't go to waste and, at the same time, can also help a charity of their choice if they wish."
So far Attitude Exchange hasn't attracted any famous name customers but a top ambassador and his wife were recently spotted having a look around. For further details contact 17744127.
