“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”
I’ve mentioned bytte/loppemarkeds in the post about things I like in Denmark. You are probably familiar with flea markets or second-hand shops. Their popularity grows around the world. In DK people are crazy about “økologi” and environment so they give second chance to almost everything. I was moving here often (check the series of posts about “boligjagten”) and once I got an unfurnished apartment. And thanks to byttemarked and facebook groups I did furnish it totally for free! How awesome is that? But let’s start from the beginning.
LOPPEMARKED
This is the market where you can sell or buy things. Often takes place outdoors on big squares. You can find all kinds of stuff, clothes, toys, kitchen things, books, furniture, electronics, everything. And usually for a very good price. For example clothes for 10 DKK (1,3 €), a backpack for 30 DKK, baby travel bed for 100 DKK. Don’t forget to bargain! 😉
I remember once I went with my friend for a trip on our bikes. We noticed loppe on our way so we stopped to take a look. I’ve bought, among others, a sweater. When we were heading home the temperature dropped significantly and I was so very thankful for that sweater!
I have also an experience from the other side. Everyone who has a baby knows they are growing fast and you are quickly surrounded by clothes, toys and similar which you no longer use. So I did go to loppe to sell some of them. You need to pay a fee in order to get a place. It varies from loppe to loppe. Anyway, I didn’t sell as much as I expected, but I made some profit and I had some fun. 😀
BYTTEMARKED
This event is free. Outside or inside, doesn’t matter. You just need to bring something what you no longer use. Clothes, shoes, books, small stuff like plates, blankets, lamps. Usually, it will be weight at the entrance, don’t worry though, it’s just for statistics. Then you distribute your things to the proper place, usually a table signed “women dresses”, “trousers” and so on. And now you are ready to start your hunt. You just go around and round and round as many times as you please and take what you like. Unfortunately, it happens that people bring clothes with holes or dirty ones. But most items are in good shape. Sometimes one can find real goodies!
I and my friends take often part in bytte. First, it is an occasion to meet. Second, we always find something nice. Third, we drink coffee together. And then, if time allows, we gather at whoever lives the closest and make a mini fashion show trying new clothes on (often accompanied by wine 😉 ).
Not everybody likes used things, I know. But for me, it is just great! I save money, I enjoy time with friends and every now and then I can totally renew my wardrobe! And one more thing. During pregnancy, I was so grateful for those arrangments. I didn’t spend money on maternity clothes. I just took bigger sizes on byttemarked. And after having a baby I just brought them back so somebody else could use them. Saving money and environment. So thoughtful!!!
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