The prices at Fretex have been a hot topic of discussion on social media in recent weeks. Among other things, Ingrid Olsen Finvåg has been out on TikTok and criticized the Fretex prices, which, among other things, the newspaper Bodø Nu has mentioned. At the time of writing, Ingrid Olsen Finvåg’s TikTok post has been seen by 260,000 users. Photo: Screenshot Tiktok Many are dissatisfied with the prices, and believe they have risen sharply recently. – Before, you went to Fretex if you wanted to buy cheap clothes. Now it is cheaper to buy new clothes at the chain stores, says Karine Eieland. Ingrid Olsen Finvåg was also in a debate with Fretex on Dagsnytt 18 about the topic in January. She herself does a lot of second-hand shopping, and can understand why people react to the price increase. – People probably have an expectation that Fretex will be cheap, as the clothes they sell are used. Increased operating and wage costs Hilde Kjønstad is chain manager at Fretex. She confirms that prices have risen, and explains that there are logical reasons behind this. – Our prices change in line with what is happening in society in general due to increased operating and salary costs. Like other players, we are dependent on covering our costs in order to be profitable, so that we can continue our operations. Chain manager Hilde Kjønstad justifies increased prices with, among other things, increased operating and wage costs. Photo: Kristianne Marøy Kjønstad further states that each and every garment is carefully assessed and priced based on, among other things, condition, materials, demand and re-use value. She says that the prices should be perceived as good, while at the same time they should cover their share of the operating costs. – The operating costs involve maintenance of 3,500 collection boxes, transport, rent, electricity and salaries for our 300 employees. In addition, ten percent of the turnover goes to the Salvation Army’s social work, says Kjønstad. The Fretex Archive in central Stavanger. Photo: Elise Engen Vik / news The price decides – Price is a decisive factor when someone is shopping for clothes. This applies to both new and used clothes, says Ingun Grimstad Klepp. She is professor of clothing and sustainability at the University of Oslo. Clothing and sustainability professor Ingun Grimstad Klepp describes price as a very important factor. Photo: Sonja Balci / OsloMet Grimstad Klepp thinks the reactions to the prices at Fretex come because we have become used to artificially low prices for clothes. She describes the chain stores’ low prices as a major social challenge. – Too much clothing is produced, imported and sold cheaply, says Grimstad Klepp. This way of producing, importing and selling clothes is often called “fast fashion”. What is “fast fashion”? “Fast fashion” is a business model that is about cheap mass production to meet fashion trends. The business model is characterized by large volumes, global trade and rapid changes. The products can only be bought for a short period of time, as the main idea is that they should be replaced as quickly as new trends emerge. Source: snl.no/news – Enormous emissions Despite low prices and a large selection of the latest trends, not everyone is enthusiastic about artificially low prices and fast fashion. For Karine Eieland, the environment and climate are decisive for where she chooses to shop for clothes. – I feel a very bad conscience when I buy clothes that have not been used, says Eieland. MDG politician Daria Maria Szymaniuk is very concerned about the consequences of the clothing industry for the environment. The MDG politician is concerned about the enormous climate footprint the clothing industry leaves behind. Photo: Dan Uneken / MDG – The clothing industry is responsible for enormous greenhouse gas emissions, has a very high water consumption and spreads large amounts of microplastics, says Szymaniuk. The clothing industry is responsible for approximately ten percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Atacama Desert in Chile is called the graveyard of textiles. Photo: MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP Szymaniuk says that the average Norwegian buys 13 kilos of clothes a year. She believes that the companies’ use of influencers, massive advertising and social media contribute to the fact that we buy so much fast fashion. – The companies must make money. They will do this with the least possible work, and the most possible profit. Fewer people can afford to think about sustainability. Although she understands why Fretex raises the prices, Szymaniuk does not hide the fact that it is problematic. – When the price of used clothes is more expensive than what you can buy new in the shop, we have a serious problem. Fretex Arkivet, also called “luxury Fretex”, is known to be slightly more expensive than the rest of the Fretex stores. In return, they offer coveted goods. Photo: Elise Engen Vik / news Szymaniuk believes that chain stores’ artificially low prices mean that fewer people can afford to buy used. – It is clear that those who are struggling financially will choose to buy fast fashion if it is cheaper than buying used. Will make it easier to shop sustainably Ingun Grimstad Klepp believes that political action is needed to make second-hand trade and repair more profitable than buying new. – The authorities must put a stop to a development that is going in the wrong direction. With today’s low prices and massive marketing, politics are needed to bring about the changes that are needed. Szymaniuk says that the MDGs will make it cheaper to shop sustainably. Among other things, they work to remove VAT on second-hand goods and on repairs. – Then all prices at Fretex would drop by 25 per cent. This money today goes straight to the state, and unfortunately means that fewer people can afford to buy second-hand, says Szymaniuk. Szymaniuk is under the impression that most parties want a change, but that there is not enough political will to do so. A consumer responsibility Ingun Grimstad Klepp believes that the consumer can ask himself a few questions: Who do I want to support with my money? What kind of company deserves my money? – Regardless of whether you have a lot of money or a little, we can become better at using our money on companies that you want to grow. Grimstad Klepp believes that consumers can ask themselves a few questions before buying new clothes. Photo: Elise Engen Vik / news Szumaniuk would like to encourage all consumers to understand where the clothes come from, the conditions under which they are produced and the impact they have on the environment. – We are free to put pressure on the actors. We can get in touch and hear what they are doing to act sustainably. We have the power to push them in a greener direction. Will continue to shop at Fretex Even with more expensive prices, Karine Eieland will continue to shop at Fretex when she needs new clothes. – There are so many other good reasons to buy used. Karine Eieland would encourage others to buy used if they need something new. Photo: Elise Engen Vik / news She still wants to point out that it is not necessary to buy new clothes every time a new trend appears. – You can rather try to be creative with the clothes you have, concludes Eieland.
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The prices of used clothes at Fretex are increasing – more people react – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
