Give-away shops, freeshops, free stores or swap shops are stores where all goods are free. They are similar to , with mostly second-hand items—except that everything is available at no cost. All goods are freely given away, although some operate a one-in, one-out–type policy (swap shops). Free stores constitute a form of constructive direct action that provides a shopping alternative to a monetary framework, allowing people to exchange goods and services outside of a money-based economy.
History
The anarchist 1960s countercultural group the Diggers
opened free stores that simply gave away their stock, provided free food, distributed free drugs, gave away money, organized free music concerts, and performed works of political art.
The Diggers took their name from the original
Diggers led by Gerrard Winstanley
and sought to create a mini-society free of money and
capitalism.
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Similar phenomena
Another recent development in the give-away shop movement is the creation of the Freecycle Network. It began in
Arizona for the purpose of connecting people who had extra belongings to get rid of with people who needed something, organized as discussion/distribution lists, and usually hosted on one of the free websites. Similar concepts emerged in Israel via the in 2006, and in Australia via
Ziilch in 2011.
These websites allow for goods to be freely listed and acquired by others at no cost.
See also
