Runway Recycled Shop

Category: Press Releases

  • Why Moorestown, NJ was Identifies an Ideal Place for Runway Recycled’s Flagship

    Why Moorestown, NJ was Identifies an Ideal Place for Runway Recycled’s Flagship

    By Dr. Bo Best, Founder & CEO – Runway Recycled 

    Original Published: April 15, 2023 (Updated May 4, 2024)

    At Runway Recycled, our mission is to revolutionize the fashion industry by promoting sustainability, and supporting marginalized communities. Establishing our flagship in Moorestown, New Jersey, aligns seamlessly with our goals, given the town’s unique blend of community characteristics and strategic location. 

    Community Demographics and Economic Landscape

    Moorestown, a township in Burlington County, boasts a population of approximately 21,577 as of 2023 census. While the area is known for its affluence, economic disparities exist within the community. In 2021, 19% of Moorestown families did not earn enough to afford the basic cost of living, with 5% living below the poverty line. This indicates a significant portion of the population facing financial challenges, underscoring the need for initiatives that support the working poor and marginalized groups. 

    Proximity to Major Urban Centers

    Moorestown’s location offers proximity to major urban centers like Philadelphia and New York City, which are traditional main fashion hubs. This accessibility allows Runway Recycled to tap into a diverse talent pool and resources while operating in a community that benefits from economic development initiatives. 

    Community Engagement and Support

    The township’s active community organizations and supportive local government create an environment conducive to social enterprises. Moorestown Mall has a history of community involvement and support for local businesses. Collaboration with local institutions, such as Rizzieri Aveda School in Voorhees, NJ, for hair and makeup services during events, exemplifies the community’s engagement and support for initiatives like ours. 

    Addressing Local Needs

    By establishing Runway Recycled in Moorestown, we aim to address local economic disparities by providing employment opportunities, skills training, and access to affordable, sustainable fashions. Our programs, such as the Sustainable Apprenticeship Program (formerly Emerging Sustainable Bootcamp) and the Boutique on Wheels (BOW), are designed to empower residents, particularly those from marginalized communities, by offering pathways to economic stability and personal development. 

    In summary, Moorestown’s demographic diversity, strategic location, and supportive infrastructure make it an ideal setting for Runway Recycled to fulfill its mission of serving the working poor and marginalized communities beyond the main fashion hubs. 

     

    1 About Moorestown: Moorestown Township, NJ – Official Website
    2 US Census Bureau QuickFact (July 2023)
    3 United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) of Northern New Jersey
    * New Jersey Poverty Rate By County – IndexMundi.com
    5 Patch.com: Moorestown Mall Stores Keep Community Engaged Amid Closure (April 2020)
    6 Patch.com: Moorestown Mall’s Proposed Entertainment Complex To Get Vote This Fall (September 20)