You can now buy and sell clothes at a new Hyattsville clothing shop.
Located in the former wine-and-paint space at 5608 Baltimore Avenue, Buoy Collective offers modern, vintage and designer menswear with an important environmental message about the effects the fashion industry has on the environment and the importance of reusing clothing and reducing waste.
Owner Marli W. originally planned to open in March until the pandemic struck, but has ramped up the store as Prince George’s County has opened up.
“I noticed there weren’t any menswear options, while there are some womenswear boutiques, and I’d always have to go into D.C. or Tysons to buy outfits for different occasions,” he said. “I wanted to be able to offer the community a local option before needing to drive out to the mall.”
Clothing reselling is more environmentally friendly, especially now that “fast fashion” has emphasized quickly produced and discarded clothes. It’s also become quite lucrative, with Utah-based Uptown Cheapskate opening in College Park last year.
“The Buoy is a metaphor for keeping things ‘afloat,'” added Marli. “Our waste including clothing can stay in physical state, usually in the dump, for decades. Buoy Collective keeps these items that would eventually end up as waste afloat and in use.”
The shop also features prints by local photographer Candace Dane and Virtue Essentials candles from Prince George’s county native Roxene Edwards.
Buoy Collective is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.