In a world where fast fashion dominates, The Club Preloved is quietly rewriting the rules of style, sustainability and entrepreneurship. With a combined reach of 350,000 followers, this reseller community is championing preloved fashion, upcycling and sustainable living. At the same time, it is also creating a supportive network for purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
Lauren Cooley, founder of ethically sourced vintage and preloved kids’ fashion platform, Scamps, began The Club Preloved as a passion project inspired by her love of vintage fashion and sustainable living. Cooley recognized the need for a space where small business owners, upcycling advocates and sustainability enthusiasts could connect, collaborate and grow together.
A community with purpose
The Club Preloved’s membership of over 100 vintage sellers, reworkers and secondhand advocates share tips on sourcing preloved pieces, reworking techniques and innovative business strategies, while also forming collaborations that amplify their collective impact. Operating on a subscription membership model, The Club Preloved provides members with exclusive access to resources, expert insights and a vibrant, supportive network.
“When I started The Club Preloved, I hoped to unite people passionate about sustainability and creativity,” says Cooley. “Now, it’s a space where members truly support and inspire one another. Together, we’re proving that sustainable business is not only possible, it’s powerful.”
Navigating challenges with resilience
Operating in the preloved fashion industry comes with its share of hurdles. From sourcing unpredictable vintage treasures to balancing sustainability with business growth, the journey demands resilience. Yet it’s these shared struggles that fortify the community.
“There’s nothing like knowing you’re not alone in your entrepreneurial highs and lows,” Cooley continues. “The camaraderie within The Club Preloved makes all the difference. We celebrate each other’s wins and navigate challenges side by side.”
Why preloved fashion matters
At its core, The Club Preloved embraces the ethos of circular fashion: extending the life of garments and reducing waste. By promoting preloved shopping, the community challenges fast fashion’s throwaway culture and fosters intentional, sustainable choices.
“For us, every item has a story,” concludes Cooley. “By giving preloved pieces new life, we honour their history and create fresh memories while making a positive impact on the environment.”
As The Club Preloved grows, Cooley’s vision remains steadfast: fostering connection, creativity and sustainability. Upcoming initiatives include workshops, collaborations and live events to deepen member engagement and expand the community’s impact.
Adding to this momentum is the newly launched The Club Preloved Podcast, where Cooley shares real-life stories, expert insights and lessons from the world of sustainable entrepreneurship. To learn more, follow @theclubpreloved on Instagram.
