Beg, Steal & Borrow (BSB), a unique and innovative clothing exchange shop, has recently hosted a new store in Withington, Greater Manchester. The shop, which is part of a larger chain of stores in the city centre, aims to spread its ethos of sustainable fashion to a wider audience. BSB is a clothing exchange shop that uses a consignment model, inspired by some of Erin Taylor-Thomas’s favourite American thrift stores.
The Story Behind Beg, Steal & Borrow
Erin Taylor-Thomas, the founder of BSB, moved from her hometown in Nashville, Tennessee, to Manchester less than 10 years ago and opened the first BSB store in the heart of Affleck’s in the city centre in 2021. With the goal of spreading its sustainable fashion ethos across Greater Manchester, BSB has been making waves in the local community.
Beg, Steal & Borrow in Withington
- The bright pink, quirky shop is bursting with hidden treasures and fashion bargains.
- Speaking to one of the workers, Lucy Jane, who splits her time between the two spots, she says the Withington shop has really made its mark on the town and has reached an even bigger customer base.
- “Our Affleck’s store is really popular with younger people as well as tourists, but we find the Withington store has a massive sense of community and reaches a lot more different kinds of people,”
Like its city centre sister store, BSB Withington also works on exchange, meaning if you bring in items, they will value them and in return provide you with store credit. While they don’t accept every item, they say it’s best to speak with the staff before dropping off clothes to see whether or not they qualify for exchange.
Community Engagement
BSB Withington is also known for holding events, and the team in the Withington store says they hope to host more events such as sewing workshops and other creative classes that further bring the fashion community in the area together.
The Children’s Clothing Exchange
- The thrift store will be hosting a children’s clothes swap this weekend.
- It’s calling all families in the area with young children (ages 0-3), to “gather together and circulate children’s clothes amongst the community.”
- People can drop off old childrens clothes at the Beg, Steal & Borrow Withington store on Saturday, April 5, and on Sunday, April 6, families can shop ‘new’ children’s clothes at Ice Shack.
“We’re really excited to bring the community together and provide a unique opportunity for families to shop second-hand and make some new connections along the way,”
Local Artists
BSB Withington also champions local artists by boasting their artwork on the walls of the thrift shop. The shop is a vibrant and eclectic space that is bursting with personality.
| Local Artists Featured | Some of the talented artists whose work is showcased at the BSB Withington store include: |
| Emily Wilson | A local artist who creates stunning textiles and embroidery pieces. |
| Timothy Jenkins | A painter and sculptor who is known for his vibrant and eclectic style. |
Events and Workshops
“ We hope to host more events such as sewing workshops and other creative classes that further bring the fashion community in the area together.”
This is just one example of how BSB Withington is committed to creating a sense of community and providing a unique experience for its customers. By hosting events and workshops, the shop is able to bring people together and foster a sense of connection among its customers.
Conclusion
Overall, BSB Withington is a vibrant and eclectic shop that is committed to creating a sense of community and providing a unique experience for its customers.
