Thrifty shopper, Sal McConnell, dreamed of bringing her passion for pre-loved fashion to the high street one day.
Offering second hand clothing from the 60s-80s era and premium sporting brands, Second Hand Sal opened it’s doors in May 2024, aiming to promote shoppers to think ethically and sustainably and wear what was once loved.
Why did you choose to open Second Hand Sal?
For years I wanted to own my own store and I have always loved vintage clothing. Previously, I used to hold pre-loved markets in Middletown and in the Armagh City Hotel and they always done so well. The markets gave me the push to open up my own store.
This store is one year lease and I thought now was the time to give it a go as I have two kids who are getting older and don’t dependant on me as much.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
This, opening the store.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Being my own boss. Again, being a mummy, it’s great having the flexibility to work around my opening hours if I need to.
What has been the biggest challenge in your job?
Some days in town are quite slow. On those days, I use social media to push the store, making sure people are still actively seeing the shop, what’s in stock, and getting the word out there.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
My husband always tells me to take each day as it comes, if there is a quiet day, then tomorrow will be better. I always remind myself of that.
If you could choose anything else to do, what would it be?
Fashion Designer, maybe in London. I’m from Belfast originally, but I do love Armagh, I’ve been here 20 years and wouldn’t want to go anywhere else now.
What do you think your best quality is?
I am a very chatty person. I love that when people come into the shop they can have the full experience, shop for a while, chat and never feel rushed out the door.
Name three things that you like doing outside of work.. –
Thrifting, vintage shopping and spending time with the kids. They’re very sporty so I’m always at the kids’ matches on the sideline.
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have.
I’m trying to teach myself how to crochet, I’ve just started but I’m hoping to stick at it. I’ll be so proud of the day I can wear something I have made myself.
What is your most prized possession?
1980s Chanel bag which I bought in Carnaby street, London. I bought it 17 years ago and I always use it, probably too much. There’s no point in it sitting in the wardrobe, you only live once.
What is your favourite food?
Chinese food – either salted chilli chicken or spice box.
What is your favourite book?
Anything crime or thriller related I love. I’m not a romance reader.
What are you currently watching?
I watch so many shows but my favourites would probably be Fallout, Task Masker on Channel 4, Emily in Paris and you can’t beat Friends either. I’m a sucker for the trendy shows.
If you were to watch a band/singer live, who would it be?
I love dance music so I would choose Fred Again. I love to rave and can’t wait to see Fisher in concert. Not to wish their lives away but I can’t wait until my kids are older and we can all rave together.
Dead or alive, who would you most want to meet and why?
Audrey Hepburn, she’s class. She seems like she had so much life experience and done so much for charity in her time. I love watching her films too. I would definitely want to spend the day shopping with her.
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