The 103 Red Cross stores in Wallonia and Brussels offer a way of reducing back-to-school bills while doing something for the environment, Princess Delphine stressed on Wednesday during a visit to the relief organisation's shop in Nivelles.
Through its second-hand stores, the Red Cross is emerging as a bulwark against galloping inflation. “A complete back-to-school outfit for a child aged between 4 and 12 costs an average of €11.5 there, while a schoolbag sells for €4,” the association’s spokeswoman, Nancy Ferroni, said.
Income generated from the sales goes entirely towards funding the organisation’s local actions.
The quality of the donations that supply the shops is declining, however, the Red Cross deplores. “Many players with a non-social aim are getting into the second-hand business, such as major brands and retail chains…. By contrast, our objective is purely social, and this at a time when there are more and more people in need.”
To highlight the initiative, on Wednesday the association invited Princess Delphine to go and shop in its Nivelles store. “I was impressed by the quality of the products on offer," the princess said. "I’ve always loved second-hand shops, which I used to visit regularly when I lived in London, but I never thought I’d leave with such a big bag.”
