Bivio Milano is considered as the first ‘resale’ store in the Italian capital. Hillary Belle Walker, the founder, had this vision to create a second-hand shop where it is easy to sell personal fashion pieces and in return, receive some beneficial compensations. Started with one location, this store now counts three sites across the city, two in the Porta Ticinese area that are dedicated to Women and Men distinctively, and another one near Porta Venezia that displays both Women and Men collections.
It is a clever and innovative concept that turns towards a more sustainable fashion industry.To establish its inventory, Bivio trades directly with individuals and does not use any store’s intermediary. It means that it buys from private individuals. Anyone can actually take part into this resale business as long as the pieces available for sale are stylish and in an excellent state and that they fit for the fashion season to come –the clothes you want to sell should be wearable in the next few weeks.To make sure you fill these criteria, visit their website and check the Bivio’s buyers’ wishlist which describes exactly what they need and consequently what you are more susceptible to sell to them.
The process behind the resale is quite simple, people book an appointment with the company’s team to show what they are willing to sell. Once they have done their careful selection, the staff value the different items and you decide how you want to be paid: either by a third of the selling price in cash or by an in-store credit of half of the selling price, available for the next 12 months.
Quality is in fact, a precious point for this second-hand business. All the pieces you will find are in a good state, without any marks nor missing details and the shopping experience in Bivio’s places is very pleasant: the clothes are not squeezed like in some other vintage shops but well-ordered in different sections.The clothes and accessories are chosen for their particular style. Indeed, the pieces range from luxury brands whose products even appeared on runways, to less exclusive ones but no fast-fashion brands are present. There is a large choice at your disposal in terms of dresses, skirts, pants, shoes and bags, or shirts and tops, however it is unlikely you see goods such as lingerie or bathing suits that are particularly hard to maintain in perfect state for resale.
In the end, to be updated with Bivio Milano’s activities, it is useful to regularly look at their social media and website pages to view the new looks proposed and then come in-store to try them on!