The Story of Minimossen
The waste company Stormossen wanted to recover useful items rather than burn them, which became the starting point for Minimossen. Inspired by similar concepts in Sweden and Norway, Stormossen opened the doors to Finland’s first recycling mall in Vaasa on November 5, 2019.
Ekocenter – The Predecessor
Ekocenter in Vaasa, established in 1989 by the City of Vaasa, was a predecessor to Minimossen. The center focused on re-use and provided employment for the long-term unemployed. In 1997, operations were transferred to Stormossen and later to the Jupiter Foundation. The closure of Ekocenter in 2017 created a gap in the community, which was later filled by the opening of Minimossen.
Driven by Re-use
The waste management company Stormossen wanted to salvage usable items instead of incinerating them as waste at the Westenergy plant. From the waste stream, Stormossen recovered items in good condition and provided them to the recycling mall’s first entrepreneurs: Repop Vintage, Eden Flowers, and Yesterday Once More. The core idea was to give these items a new life, either as they were or through refurbishing and repair. Additionally, some items from the waste reception stations were directed straight to charitable organizations through Stormossen’s partners.
In addition to the recycling mall and its individual boutiques, the fully renovated premises in Isolahti, Vaasa, featured a café and a mini-recycling station.
Progress and Setbacks 2020–2025
Covid put Minimossen on hold
After only six months of operation, Minimossen had to close its doors in the spring of 2020 due to the pandemic. Fortunately, Minimossen was able to reopen in June. From that point on, operations really took off, and by the end of the year, many more re-use entrepreneurs had joined. Customers also found their way to Minimossen: in Stormossen’s customer survey in the autumn of 2020, 72% of respondents said they were familiar with Minimossen.
Growth continued
Minimossen’s operations continued to grow and evolve. To support aspiring small business owners, a pop-up rental model was introduced, allowing them to test their concepts at the mall. The café became a gallery space where local artists could exhibit their work, and entrepreneurs began hosting various workshops. Increasingly, Minimossen established itself as a natural hub for re-use and a sustainable lifestyle, and even caught the attention of an international audience.
Change negotiations
In December 2025, shortly after Minimossen’s 6th anniversary, Stormossen’s board initiated change negotiations regarding the mall’s future, citing economic and operational reasons. The threat of closure sparked widespread public engagement, and Minimossen received an outpouring of community support. Sales and visitor numbers increased significantly. Ultimately, Stormossen’s board decided that Minimossen would continue its operations under a three-year financial savings plan.
Minimossen 2.0
Following the crisis at the end of 2025, Minimossen has shifted into a higher gear. Opening hours have been extended, the interior has been refreshed, and the floor space is being used more efficiently. With six new entrepreneurs joining the community, the total number of re-use businesses has grown to over 20. As a result, both visitor numbers and sales have shown steady growth.
We want to thank our customers and patient partners for their support during this time. We aren’t at the finish line yet, but we are well on our way, says Minimossen’s store manager Nina Hägen.