Sustainable business model: Feasibility study for a clothing library to promote responsible consumption

The rapid growth in global clothing consumption has resulted in significant environmental impacts, notably through increased textile waste. This study investigates use-oriented services and repurpose strategies as potential solutions to mitigate the environmental consequences associated with fast fashion. Despite rising awareness, limited access to affordable, eco-friendly alternatives remains a barrier to responsible fashion consumption. This research addresses this gap by analyzing consumer behavior toward second-hand clothing through survey analysis and evaluating the feasibility of establishing a Clothing Library (A clothing library is a community-based initiative modeled after traditional book libraries, where individuals can access preloved garments instead of books. It offers an alternative to fast fashion by allowing users to purchase second-hand clothing, thereby supporting sustainable consumption while fulfilling the desire for novelty and variety in personal style.) through detailed operational cost assessments and economic analyses. The proposed Clothing Library aims to transform consumer behavior by extending clothing’s lifespan and promoting second-hand items. Key findings indicate that the Clothing Library concept is financially viable, demonstrating potential profitability with a break-even point achievable within 6 months. Moreover, the study reveals strong consumer motivation driven by affordability and environmental awareness among women aged 20–30. Additionally, the operational model demonstrates that structured refurbishment and resale strategies effectively reduce textile waste and enhance consumer satisfaction. The anticipated outcome is to normalize and increase the preference for second-hand clothing, thereby reducing the demand for new garments and decreasing production-related environmental waste.