As concerns over fast fashion and its environmental impact grow, a local business in Provo is offering a potentially sustainable solution.
Indy Clover, located on University Avenue, offers an alternative to fast fashion by promoting sustainability and supporting small businesses through a unique marketplace model.
Fast fashion is characterized by cheaply-made and quickly-produced clothing. The issue has been criticized for its contribution to environmental degradation and labor exploitation.
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater, according to the United Nations Environment Programme website.
This growing awareness has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with many looking for more sustainable shopping options.
At Indy Clover, local vendors are offered a platform to sell secondhand, vintage and handmade goods.
Founders Tyler and Keena Peery and Mia Evans created the concept with the goal of creating a space where the community could shop sustainably and support local entrepreneurs.
“Indy Clover stems from that, and our love for keeping up with the trends, or buying and reselling clothes, and being able to make money off of them,” Keena Peery said in an interview. “At Indy Clover, we provide the space for you, and all you have to do is bring your clothes and we’ll provide the rest.”
Indy Clover operates as a vendor marketplace, renting out space to individuals who want to sell their goods. Vendors range from high school students cleaning out their closets to full-time vintage resellers.
The store also accepts clothing donations, which are resold at lower prices. This model helps reduce clothing waste and gives customers access to unique, high-quality items without contributing to the fast fashion cycle.
Provo resident and Indy Clover shopper Leah Howard appreciates the store's mission.
“I used to shop at big-name fast fashion retailers all the time because it was convenient and cheap, but then I learned about the environmental damage and unethical labor practices involved. Stores like Indy Clover make it easy to shop sustainably, and I feel so much better about where my money is going,” Howard said.
Indy Clover is not alone in addressing the fast fashion problem. The rise of thrift stores, clothing swaps and slow fashion brands reflects a broader trend toward sustainability in the fashion industry.
Similar options have been making waves among concious-minded shoppers in Utah. Uptown Cheapskate, Preloved and Plato's Closet are on the rise in popularity for second-hand and gently used brand-named clothing.
These retailers offer clothing swaps and resells which encourage customers to not only buy high quality goods secondhand, but also teaches consumers to repurpose or upcycle before purchasing fast fashion options.
UVU graduate of Supply Chain Management Caylee Wilcox sees stores like Indy Clover as vital to combating the fast fashion epidemic.
“Fast fashion is incredibly destructive, but local solutions like Indy Clover show that change is possible. When consumers choose secondhand or support local artisans, they’re taking an important step toward reducing waste and encouraging more ethical production practices,” Wilcox said.
The model of Indy Clover highlights a growing awareness of the need for sustainable fashion practices, while encouraging sellers to earn income thorough reselling their clothing.
As consumers continue to prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly choices, thrift and second-hand businesses like Indy Clover play an important role in reshaping the fast fashion landscape.