Inside Skopje’s First Repair Center: Where Broken Items and Ideas Get a Second Life

How Ništo Novo is quietly sparking a culture of sustainability, skill-sharing, and circular thinking in North Macedonia, with the heart and hands of two dedicated changemakers, Irina and Antonio.

In a time when fast consumption dominates, a quiet revolution occurs in one of Skopje’s neighborhoods. It doesn’t look like much at first—just a cozy space filled with tools, sewing machines, and the occasional bicycle frame—but step inside, and you’ll find something bigger: a movement to rethink waste, value, and community.

We sat down with the team behind Ništo Novo, the first Repair Center in North Macedonia, to discover how a simple idea—fixing what’s broken—can ignite a larger vision for social and environmental change.

How did the idea of opening a repair center in Skopje come about? What inspired you?

“The idea evolved over several years,” they explain. “Our organization, ARNO, has always been committed to sustainability and social innovation. The real spark came eight years ago when we visited Riperaj, the first Repair Center in Rijeka, Croatia. It was more than a workshop. It was a community hub where people could fix things, learn, and reduce waste. That stayed with us.”

Fast forward to today, and Skopje’s very own Repair Center is thriving, shaped by the Rijeka model but grounded in local needs. “It’s not just about mending broken items. It’s about reviving the culture of repair, supporting artisans, and reconnecting people with the value of things.”

What were the biggest challenges you faced in making this dream a reality?

“Finding a location was incredibly difficult,” they admit. “We spoke to several municipalities. Many liked the idea but couldn’t commit space or resources. It was time-consuming and, frankly, frustrating at times.”

Eventually, the Municipality of Kisela Voda recognized the potential and offered their support, donating the space and covering utilities. “That partnership was a turning point.”

Another challenge was cultural: “Many people are used to replacing things instead of fixing them. So part of our work is educational—showing how repair can be economical, ecological, and empowering.”

How does Ništo Novo contribute to waste reduction and the circular economy?

“In just the first two months, we’ve helped repair over 30 pieces of clothing, 12 bicycles, and 10 e-scooters. But the numbers only tell part of the story,” they emphasize.

The center offers not just repair services, but hands-on workshops with artisans. “We want people to learn the skills themselves, not just drop things off. That’s how the culture shifts—from passive consumption to active care.”

They’re also working on launching a refill station for household detergents; another step toward reducing single-use plastics.

What role does the local community play in all this?

“A huge one,” they smile. “This place wouldn’t exist without the community. One of our favorite moments? A woman brought in her broken sewing machine. Two IT students happened to be there and fixed it. That’s exactly the magic we’re aiming for.”

The center is also planning community garage sales and neighborhood events to further spread the message of reuse and collaboration.

What has the public response been like?

“Overwhelmingly positive,” they say. “At first, people were curious. One neighbor even asked what we were doing and whether anyone needed this. That same neighbor ended up donating tools and becoming a regular supporter.”

The numbers reflect the enthusiasm: in just two months, over 150 people have participated in 13 workshops, with more than 400 registering overall. Textile repair open days are a hit, with attendees bringing multiple garments to mend on the spot.

How are you planning to pass on repair skills more broadly?

“A website is in the works,” they reveal. “It will be an educational hub—with videos, guides, and resources for all levels. We’ll also integrate material from our other projects, like the Academy for Circular Economy and Balkan Green Ideas.”

The platform will double as a tool for advocacy, supporting the global Right to Repair movement.

What types of workshops do you offer?

The current lineup includes: textile repairs (mending, upcycling), E-scooter maintenance, bicycle repairs, knife sharpening, and luggage wheel replacement.

“We also hold open days for walk-in repairs and plan to expand into other areas based on community needs.”

Are young people involved?

“Absolutely. We’re working closely with schools and youth organizations. We have plans to collaborate with vocational schools where students can practice real-life repairs, especially electronics. Youth involvement is essential for long-term change.”

They’ve also partnered with a youth group whose members lead bicycle repair sessions.

What are your long-term plans for Ništo Novo?

“We want to grow,” they say simply. “That means more workshops, deeper partnerships with schools, municipalities, and the private sector—and hopefully, new centers across the country.”

The model is ready to be scaled. “Imagine a network of repair hubs, each with a theme—textiles, electronics, refill stations. It’s all possible with the right support.”

In the bigger picture, what does Ništo Novo stand for?

“We make big ideas feel tangible. Everyone talks about the circular economy—but here, people live it. It’s not just about fixing things. It’s about shifting mindsets.”

They proudly note their alignment with global movements, like Repair Cafés and the Open Repair Alliance. “This isn’t new—but it’s urgently needed.”

Who helped make the Repair Center a reality?

Two key supporters: The European Union, through the EICEE project, provided funding for equipment, staff, and operations and the Municipality of Kisela Voda, which offered the physical space and covers utility costs.

“ARNO’s collaborators also helped with design and layout. Their creativity turned a concept into a warm and functional space.”

How are local businesses and artisans involved?

“We work with artisans who lead our workshops—bike mechanics, seamstresses, and more. We also support social enterprises from our programs. One example is a young designer making high-fashion hats from textile leftovers. Her work is displayed in our concept store at the center.”

Collaborations extend to youth groups, VET schools, and the organization YesforLess, which connects eco-activists through social media and meetups.

Any upcoming campaigns or special events?

“We’re already gearing up for World Repair Day 2025 on October 18,” they announce. “We’ll host an event in partnership with a philanthropic initiative—repairing and donating computers to people in need.”

Other creative campaigns include passport covers made from used banners, birdhouses built from scrap wood, and swap events in collaboration with local companies.

At Ništo Novo, repair is more than a service; it’s a mindset, a skillset, and a community call to action. And in this little corner of Skopje, that mindset is catching on—one stitch, screw, and smile at a time.