S9 Ep24 CHERRY PICK VINTAGE: Brooklyn O’Neill, co-founder - on sorting and grading 250,000 lbs of secondhand clothing each month for 3 vintage shops and a wholesale business.
On today’s show, we’re chatting with Brooklyn O’Neill, one of co-founders of Cherry Pick Vintage, which operates 3 vintage retail shops and a wholesale business across British Columbia, Canada. Brooklyn’s fiancé, Andrew is a third-generation clothing recycler, and the Cherry Pick Vintage team sorts and grades 250,000 lbs of secondhand clothing at the family’s warehouse each month – proving that “everything you want already exists!” On this episode you’ll learn what it’s like to sort through 20,000 lbs of clothing each day, and the wildest discoveries that turn up in those bales. Plus, why Brooklyn intentionally puts her massive warehouse operation on full display and how this became key to both Cherry Pick’s social media success and their mission to show people how much clothing already exists. I think you’re gonna love it, so – let’s dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [4:13] Though Brooklyn didn’t grow up thrifting, she spotted a gap in the market for an accessible, wearable secondhand shopping experience in her community. [5:30] Her fiancé, Andrew, is a third-generation clothing recycler. [7:57] Together, they decided to start Cherry Pick Vintage, now 3 retail shops and a wholesale company. [10:43] They quickly realized there was a lot more value in the clothing in the warehouse than originally thought. [11:43] How the raghouse at Cherry Pick works. [12:37] The sorting process for grading 20,000 lbs of clothing a day. [15:03] The Rag Yard Market where shoppers can dig through thousands of pounds of pre-loved clothing for only $7/lb! [17:14] Opening three retail locations across British Columbia in just three years. [23:38] How wholesaling works at Cherry Pick Vintage. [26:52] How social media played a large role in the growth of Cherry Pick. [28:24] Why Brooklyn puts the warehouse operation on full display to show how much clothing exists. [31:40] Social media advice for vintage business owners. [33:18] The wildest find the team has ever pulled out of the bales. [38:28] Holy grail vintage finds including 1960s Levi's and a WWII bomber jacket. [40:46] Brooklyn's personal style and her treasured 1993 Elton John x Versace tour tee. EPISODE MENTIONS: Cherry Pick Vintage @cherrypick.vtg @cherrypickwholesale Rag Yard Market How to Navigate Vintage Wholesale (on Pre-Loved) Heart and Lou LET’S CONNECT: 📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/ 🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod SPECIAL THANKS: A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura
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