Thrift.mt, one of Malta’s most recognisable thrift stores, is closing its doors less than three years after its February 2023 launch.

“I want to create something that touches millions of people. This is obviously not possible through thrift.mt, or highly unlikely for it to happen,” says Christian Bartolo Burlo, Founder of the beloved Gżira-based thrift.mt. 

The closure marks the end of a chapter for both Dr Bartolo Burlo and Malta’s thrifting community, but also the start of an exciting new venture. Having completed a PhD in Computer Science earlier this year, he is now turning his focus toward building a tech startup for creatives. 

“Thrift.mt was my brainchild to show everyone that Malta can also have nice things,” he shares with WhosWho.mt, describing the project as a much-needed creative outlet alongside the “extremely scientific” demands of completing his Doctorate.

He shares how after completing his PhD, he faced what he calls a “quarter-life crisis,” unsure where to direct his energy next.

“All I knew, and still know, is that I want to create something that touches millions of people.”

Thrift.mt began humbly as a project while Dr Bartolo Burlo was studying abroad, operating from his grandmother’s home. From there, it grew into a community hub, eventually opening a second store and becoming a leader in Malta’s thrifting journey.

Asked what he hopes people will remember most about the brand, Dr Bartolo Burlo expresses: “I genuinely hope it will be remembered for how much we celebrated those who showed up differently and stayed true to themselves.”

Although the store is no longer operating, its legacy will live on, as the latest thrift.mt collection has been passed on to TaylorMaid Vintage in Sliema. 

Looking back, Dr Bartolo Burlo is grateful for the experience and the people who shaped it:

“While thrift.mt itself is closed, my journey and passion for pushing boundaries does not stop here. I’ve learned so many lessons, met with extremely interesting people and feel eternally grateful to the people that formed part of our community.”

Looking ahead, Dr Bartolo Burlo is turning his attention to Trovahub, a tech startup designed with creatives in mind.

“All I can share right now is that at its core, Trovahub exists to ensure that creatives aren’t replaced by AI, but empowered by it. If people want to know more I invite them to sign up here.”

The announcement of thrift.mt’s closure was made directly to customers via email: “Yes, thrift.mt is officially closed for business (it’s not a marketing strategy, nor some kind of joke).”

The closure comes as Malta’s thrifting scene continues to grow, with numerous shops opening across the island in recent years. Thrift.mt helped popularise second-hand fashion locally, making sustainable shopping both stylish and accessible.

Now, as Dr Bartolo Burlo shifts from retail to tech, his ambition is to build something with the reach and scale that thrift.mt could not achieve, and to push boundaries once again.