Give-away shop

Give-away shops, freeshops, or free stores are second-hand stores that are starting to appear in Northern European towns and cities, especially in the Netherlands and Germany. They are similar to charity shops, only everything is available free (no-cost). Whether it is a book, a piece of furniture, a garment or a household item, it is all freely given away. They reflect a switch over from scarcity to abundance brought about by increased material wealth due to technological advances. The idea of free goods still carries some stigma, so many people who use these shops are those who are lead to either by need (financially poor, such as students, single parents & the elderly) or by conviction (anti-capitalists).

The slogan of the stores is:

There is enough for everyone's need, but not for everyone's greed

The first Give Away Shop was opened in Leiden (Netherlands), by members of the anarchist Eurodusnie Collective.

Give-away shops are often housed in squats. Naturally the shops don't make any profit, and are run by volunteers only.

Give-away shops in the Netherlands and Belgium

See also

External link

See also: Give-away shop, Abundance, Amersfoort, Amsterdam, Anti-capitalist, Antwerp, Arnhem, Book, Charity shop, Den Bosch