In 2016, the Luxembourg Red Cross opened its first ‘Vintage Mo(o)d’ boutique, which has since become well established in Leudelange. This year, a second shop has opened in Niederanven.
While the offer is primarily aimed at people in more vulnerable situations, anyone interested in second-hand shopping or wishing to support the Red Cross is welcome.
At first glance, the shop might seem like just another new store in Niederanven’s Les Arcades shopping centre, but ‘Vintage Mo(o)d’ operates on a slightly different model. Items are either sourced from donations placed in collection bins or brought directly to the shop. On Tuesday morning, several people did just that.
One woman explained that she had noticed the shop a few weeks earlier while shopping nearby. Instead of placing a bag of clothes in a donation container, she decided to bring it directly to the boutique, as she wanted to support the Red Cross.
She added that she appreciated the idea of giving clothes a second life and helping people in need, especially after clearing out her wardrobe in spring.
She also said she could imagine buying items there herself. That morning, several others were already doing so, including Daniel, who, along with his partner, was particularly interested in clothing.
He described the appeal of second-hand shopping as being linked to sustainability, positive energy, and the opportunity to do something meaningful, adding that his own interest in fashion and upcycling further fuelled his enthusiasm.
‘Vintage Mo(o)d’ offers more than just clothing, with items such as decorative objects, books, and children’s toys also available. Since customers pay for the goods, the shop focuses on higher-quality items, while essential goods are distributed free of charge elsewhere.
Although the revenue generated helps fund other activities of the Red Cross, prices remain socially accessible. For example, a pair of shoes that might cost €400 new can be found in Niederanven for around €45 to €50, as explained by shop assistant Olivier D’Archivio.
According to François Authelet, head of the Red Cross’s material and food aid service, the team behind the counter is quite diverse. He noted that the organisation benefits from state-supported employment schemes, including subsidised ADEM positions for long-term unemployed people, with staff supported by volunteers.
Authelet said that additional volunteers are currently being recruited, and that individuals in community work programmes are also being integrated and trained as part of their pathway into the labour market.
He added that the customer base is equally varied, with people of all nationalities and age groups visiting the shop: from those in need to those simply interested in second-hand goods.
The premises are rented by the Red Cross from the municipality of Niederanven at a social rate. The building previously housed a bank, and the former vault is now used for storage.
