THE founder of a pre-loved baby clothes shop in Glasgow says she can't believe how far the store has come since opening a decade ago.
Merry-go-round, based on Nithsdale Road in the city's Southside, has just celebrated its tenth birthday.
The social enterprise first opened its doors in 2012. It was the brainchild of local mum and environmental activist Sam Moir, who, after the birth of her son, realised how quickly he outgrew his clothes and equipment.
Overwhelmed by the cost of buying new items for him, she wanted to change the perception of second-hand and make it easy for parents to buy and donate high-quality items.
It has been a go-to shop for families to buy and donate baby clothes and equipment, saving parents money and saving the planet.
Almost 250,000 items including booties, baby grows, high chairs and cots, have been rehomed over the last ten years.
If all the pre-loved items were lined up, they would stretch for 110 miles, all the way from the West to the East coast of Scotland, and they would be the weight of ten elephants (75 tons).
Ms Moir said: “I’m overwhelmed by the success of Merry-go-round and the generosity of the local community.
"Since we’ve opened, so many families have changed their perception of second-hand and embraced a more sustainable way of life. Having a baby shouldn’t have to cost the earth.
"I honestly can’t believe everything that has happened over the last ten years and just how far we’ve come.
"It’s exceeded all of my expectations and that is thanks to our Merry-go-round staff who make it brilliant every day and our wonderful local families who have welcomed and supported us.
"I’m so excited for the next chapter and for us to go from strength to strength.”
Merry-go-round has also distributed 3,600 bags of free clothes, nappies, books and toys to families in need, and has more than 160 community partners who get the packs to local families.
A party was held over the weekend to celebrate the social enterprise's special milestone.
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