When I pop into ARCO to meet its innovative founder, Kate, I am struggling to get to the front of the queue – she is so in demand.
It’s easy to see why when she gives me a warm hug and welcomes me into her little shop of preloved children’s clothes, books and toys in Lagos. Other than her welcoming smile, my first impression is her impressive grasp of Portuguese as she chatters away to a mother who is trading in credits for children’s clothes. Originally from San Francisco, she has lived as an expat for the last 15 years, first in Angola and then in Sweden, from where she brought this inspired concept.
While I am waiting, I sit and chat with a mother, Nike, who is sitting in the play corner with her toddler, who is absorbed in playing with some preloved wooden blocks. Nike told me that she visits every week for the mum and tots meetups, which are an opportunity to meet other families and let the children play in the cosy play corner. The play area and the meetups are a key part of the store ‘s concept, which is based on the ideas of promoting both community and circularity.
Kate wanted to combine the need for an alternative for children’s items in the area with building a community of parents. “My mission for Arco is to provide our community with an eco-friendly alternative to acquiring the things we need – namely clothes, books and toys – along with building a community of parents around the early years of childhood.” Kate noted that it is those early years that are often the hardest and sometimes very isolating; the anecdote is a welcoming community of parents going through the same thing.
Kate sees this as not just a commercial venture but a service to the community. While many people now use the Vinted App, she pointed out that the unique touch that Arco provides is the human connection that is increasingly lacking in this digital age. “As parents, we need things for our children, yes, but we also need the support of other parents,” Kate remarked. Arco is a bit of a countermovement in that way; Kate wants to see more human connection and sharing of goods instead of parental isolation and waste.
Kate’s education and career background in sustainability made her naturally inclined to seek out second-hand items for her two energetic boys, now five and seven. Despite her good intentions, hand-me-downs often didn’t come at the right time or season. Her ambition for Arco combines quality with affordability, accessibility, and eco-appeal. Kate also wants to champion fellow women artisans and stocks a small range of beautiful, locally-made pieces in natural fabrics.
As I walked in, I forgot I was in a pre-loved store, as it has more of the air of an upmarket kid´s boutique. At Arco, you can bring in your child´s outgrown clothes, books and toys in return for credit, which you can later spend in the store. All items that you bring in to be traded need to be in good condition and freshly washed. But if you are looking for a gift this festive season, Arco is like any store where you can buy what you need with cash (or card).
On 7 December, Arco will reopen in its new location behind the skatepark of Lagos. During its initial phase, Arco was sharing a shop location behind the City Hall of Lagos; however Kate has now moved into a cosy shop just “up the road” where there will be more indoor space to relax and shop.
It’s easy to see why Kate is in demand. Not only is she a warm personality, she is a savvy businesswoman who is ecologically aware, and a mother who wants to share with other moms.
Kate hopes to see the movement around circularity and community grow in the southwest Algarve. She invites anyone in this field to reach out as she is eager to create collaborations and build a network of like-minded changemakers.
Arco is open Thursday and Friday from 10 – 3 and Saturdays from 10 to 1 pm.
Facebook: @arcopreloved
Instagram: @arcopreloved
