FabricAID
FabricAID seeks to create a socially and environmentally conscious value chain for the apparel industry through the collection, upcycling, and resale of second-hand clothing to needy communities at low prices. Founded in Lebanon by entrepreneur Omar Itani, FabricAID sells repurposed clothing through low-cost thrift shops and a branded chain of vintage stores. The social enterprise has expanded its operations to Jordan and the UAE, and in late 2021, closed a US$1.6m seed-funding round.
- Organisation type Social enterprise
- Year founded 2017
- Headquartered Beirut
- Registration Lebanon · Jordan · United Arab Emirates
- Website http://www.fabricaid.me
Focus areas
Focus sectors
Human services
- Thrift shops
Environment
- Recycling
Focus populations
- Immigrants and migrants
- Refugees and displaced people
- Low-income people
- Working poor
Focus geographies
North Africa
- Egypt
Middle East
- United Arab Emirates
- Lebanon
- Jordan
Programmes
Souk l Khlanj
Souk l Khlanj outlets sell donated second-hand clothes to extremely marginalised communities, at micro-prices. The items are cleaned, ironed, and tailored to ensure high quality and good choices, paired with dressing rooms, well-maintained shops, and experienced sales people to ensure a dignified shopping experience. Some 78% of all FabricAid clothing donations are sold via Souk l Khlanj.Second Base Boutique
A small percentage of FabricAid donations consist of vintage, occasional, and costume clothing. These items do not serve the target market of Souk L Khlanj, who tend to be more conservative in their choices. These items are sold at competitive prices through the Second Base Boutique to middle and upper-class communities.Souk Okaz
Souk Okaz is a retail concept that enables people to buy and sell second-hand clothes at affordable prices. Customers are invited to sell gently-used clothes for cashback.FabricBASE
Clothing that is damaged or unfit for resale is either upcycled or recycled via FabricBASE. Clothing is upcycled in collaboration with local designers, disadvantaged tailors, and international brands. This ensures no clothing is discarded as landfill.
Financials
Funding model
- Private
- Revenue generation
- Fundraising
Primary funders
- Alfanar
- Wamda
- WeMed, Mediterranean Sustainability Award
Operations
Key staff
- Omar Itani, founder and general manager.
- Loulya Halawani, marketing manager
Board members
- Fadi Ghandour
- Lubna Olayan
- Omar Itani
- Diane Fadel
- Asma Zein
Contact details
- +961 (76) 900230
- admin@fabricaid.me
- http://www.fabricaid.me
- Floor 2, Debahy Building, Mkalles Industrial District Beirut, Lebanon.