Before we start off, who’s Chris?

“I’m Chris Bartolo Burlo, a computer scientist with a heart full of creativity and a passport that’s been well-stamped. Hailing from the charming island of Malta, I’ve been on quite the journey – spending three enlightening years studying in Italy and soaking up the fashion-forward vibes of Copenhagen,” Chris told Lovin Malta.

“Professionally, I’m all about those ones and zeros, with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and a near-complete PhD in computer science. But don’t let the tech talk fool you – I’m not your typical computer whiz. My creative spirit and knack for marketing have me chasing fashion and technology with equal enthusiasm.”

“‘Enjoy the journey’ isn’t just a motto; it’s my personal mission statement. Fifteen years as part of a scout group taught me to approach life’s challenges with a fresh perspective and an open heart.”

And, what’s thrift.mt?

thrift.mt distinguishes itself as a thrift store, setting it apart from a conventional charity shop – a fundamental distinction.

“While we do indeed contribute to our community, our primary focus revolves around the art of curating clothing, aiming to provide our customers with an unparalleled experience. From the instant you step into our store, you’re enveloped in a vibrant ambiance that exudes warmth and belonging.”

“Our collaborative efforts extend to the local fashion community, as we partner with diverse enthusiasts across Malta. Together, we meticulously craft assortments of pre-owned attire, each collection curated to embody a distinct style.”

So, how did thrift.mt come into existence?

“After spending a considerable amount of time abroad, where thrifting is a common practice, I was eager to recreate the excitement of thrifting in Malta,” Chris expressed.

“The prospect of exploring second-hand shops and stumbling upon truly unique items was incredibly enticing to me, and I wished to bring that same sense of adventure to my home country.”

“However, my personal experience attempting this was met with challenges. Many shops were closed, lacked proper curation, and demonstrated a lack of professionalism.”

“It was during this period that the idea for thrift.mt was conceived. As a computer scientist by profession, I took it upon myself to develop an online store. One month later, the platform went live, and I was ecstatic to witness the enthusiastic response it garnered,” he explained.

Presently, they have established a brick-and-mortar presence at The Mad Culture, centrally located in Żabbar.

“Here, I endeavour to recreate these captivating encounters for our customers. My utmost priority is to engage with every visitor to the store, whether it’s through shared coffee moments or personalised fashion suggestions.”