Welcome to Grade A Copenhagen

A whole new standard for men's secondhand shopping

When I, as a recent political science graduate, headed to Copenhagen to work at Christiansborg as a press advisor, I faced a significant challenge; My wardrobe was simply non-existent. I therefore frequently borrowed both shirts and blazers from my cousin, with whom I briefly lived in the beginning.

As soon as my first paycheck hit my bank account, I immediately set about building a wardrobe. I clearly remember how the somewhat rickety clothes rack in my cousin's living room (where I slept) became covered in clothes. Clothes that I had acquired in desperation without much thought. The result was a not inconsiderable amount of bad purchases.

As time went on, the wardrobe grew. My passion for clothes had gradually taken over most of the apartment I had since moved into. So one day I decided to clean out my clothes. To organize, sort and, not least, get rid of the clothes I never wore anyway, even though there was nothing wrong with them.

But what was I supposed to do with the clothes? Give them away? Go to the trouble of selling them? The situation was absurd. From being in a situation where I was dependent on borrowing my cousin's clothes to just a few years later being burdened by clothes.

Solving the circular paradox

From injury one becomes wise, but rarely rich. So did I. My many bad purchases had cost me a considerable amount of money, but the experience had ignited a sense of wonder in me. I could not possibly be the first to find myself in this situation. I now imagined the many overflowing wardrobes that must be standing around the country. Filled with clothes that would be of better use elsewhere. For example, in the case of a recent political science graduate with a non-existent wardrobe.

I therefore set out to solve this circular paradox. I wanted to make it easier than ever to build an excellent wardrobe filled with quality items that had become surplus to requirements. As the research for my idea unfolded, it became increasingly clear to me that I had underestimated how many great blazers, shirts, jackets, etc. were actually just waiting to find a new owner. My passion for clothes had become a passion for second-hand. A passion I wanted to share with others. The many great branded items at affordable prices should not be reserved for particularly fashion-interested treasure hunters like myself. On the contrary, they should be available to the many. Since I myself grew up in the countryside, where second-hand is mainly associated with messy second-hand shops, where there is a long way between second-hand gold and where the smell that meets you is an indefinable cross between an estate and wildebeest, I knew that it would require something special.

A whole new standard for secondhand men's clothing

Grade A Copenhagen is a second-hand universe that sets a whole new standard. A universe that only consists of products of the highest quality - in other words - Grade A products. But that's not all. Grade A Copenhagen makes second-hand a real, competitive alternative to new clothes. I therefore do not want to simply measure my business against other second-hand stores - I want to deliver the same experience, quality and service as the classic clothing store. Security was a key word. You can regret your purchase and get your money back. And if you want to give one of my products as a gift, it can of course be exchanged. It is this striving for the highest possible standard that is the foundation of Grade A Copenhagen.

Welcome!

- Jesper Svarer, founder and CEO.