If you follow us on Facebook and/or are registered to our newsletter, you may have notice cute mini-models pictures popping-up from time to time whether it is to announce Retykle’s seasonal model search or Retykle’s new pop-up. Retykle ? An online platform for parents to buy pre-loved, or new, babies and kids designer clothes and accessories at up to 90% off. A Vestiaire Collective for the kiddos to sum it up. Such a smart idea knowing how quickly kids grow. We swear those teenagers were still cute toddlers yesterday! Of course, the smart mind behind this business had to be a mum and indeed it is. Happy to introduce Sarah Garner, the founder of Retykle.
Hi Sarah! Can you tell me a bit more about you and your background? How did you end up launching your own business here in Hong Kong?
How does Retykle work?
It’s an online service allowing sellers to book a free home pick up to clear out their kids closets and earn cash every time their items sell on our website. We do all of the work to photograph, price, list and find the buyer. Sellers can sit back, relax and earn 50% of the selling price in cash. For shoppers, they can enjoy shopping from our curated assortment of over 1500 high quality kids’ brands (Jacadi, Bonpoint, Petit Bateau and many more) at an average discount of 80% off the original prices. Customers can also rest assured that each piece has been thoroughly inspected and condition detailed in the product description. If something doesn’t fit, we accept free returns.
I think the size of the market is a limitation so it’s a great place to start but our plans go beyond our borders. Another challenge which is the same for any parent working or running a business, is balancing your time between kids and career to maximize time with both.
The greatest reward is building a business that has a positive impact on people’s lives. We’re providing a solution to a problem which has benefits beyond savings and becomes a philosophy about how to reuse, reduce and recycle, making a meaningful impact on our children’s futures. Our kids are also learning through our actions and our hope is that Retykle is the first step towards them being the conscious consumers of tomorrow. I think our community has something to be proud of, and we feel good about helping them do something good.
What does a typical day in your life look like those days?
Our kids crawl into bed with us anywhere between 5:30-6:30am. We have breakfast, negotiate outfit selections, play, navigate a few sibling squabbles and then drive them to school. Their school and my office are nearby so it’s a short commute to Wong Chuk Hang to start my work day. I have full days of internal and external meetings then make it home for 6:30pm to do bath and bedtime with the kids. I’ll either power up to work again by 8pm until late evenings or head out with friends.
What are your fav places in Hong Kong for lunch w/ friends / family brunch / romantic dinner / a few drinks …?
We are creatures of habit and often frequent the same places in Hong Kong. If we are meeting friends for lunch, we would definitely go to Veda which has great vegetarian options. Limewood is also a fab spot for afternoon drinks and sundowners - it’s very easy to get settled in! If we all have kids in tow, then our go-to’s are either Stan Cafe in Stanley or Amalfitana in Repulse Bay.
For a romantic dinner, we tend to like restaurants that have a cozy neighborhood feel and the staff know you by name. We really enjoy Francis in Wan Chai but equally we love exploring the latest and greatest spots across the city to make sure we haven’t missed anything.
