A growing number of shoppers are turning to secondhand shopping as an affordable, sustainable alternative to buying new clothing. This trend has driven the growth of secondhand marketplaces and even prompted some firsthand retailers to offer their own curated secondhand brands.
Higher-income shoppers with multiperson households are the dominant shoppers in several discretionary secondhand categories, including exercise and outdoor equipment and plants, driving potential future growth.
What is Thrifting?
Thrifting is a form of shopping that involves buying secondhand clothes, accessories and other items at discounted prices. Often times, thrifting is seen as a way to save money on clothing and other goods while also contributing to sustainable fashion practices. The resale fashion industry is growing, with some reports estimating it could reach $53 billion by 2022.
In the United States, there are many different options for shoppers interested in thrifting. In addition to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, online resale marketplaces have made it easier than ever to shop secondhand. There are a number of benefits to thrifting, including the ability to find unique pieces that can set you apart from your peers and the opportunity to support local businesses. In addition, thrifting can be a fun and social activity that allows shoppers to connect with other like-minded individuals.
Some people get into thrifting as a rebellion against fast fashion, while others do it as a way to save money. Some even make it a regular habit, visiting thrift stores regularly to build their wardrobes and find new treasures.
According to a recent GlobalData survey, the most popular item purchased at thrift stores is clothing. In addition, the resale market is seeing an increasing interest among younger generations. The survey found that 83% of Gen Z shoppers have purchased used clothing in the past year.
Despite the increasing popularity of secondhand shopping, not everyone is into it. Some shoppers are apprehensive about the quality of merchandise at some stores, while others fear they won’t be able to find what they’re looking for. Others worry about how it impacts the environment, particularly in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
A few popular online thrift store options include Vinted, which was started by two friends who wanted to give away their own used clothing. The site now offers a variety of clothing, shoes and accessories for women and men. Vinted’s prices are a little more expensive than some other online secondhand stores, but their high-quality clothing makes up for it.
Another online option is Swap, which sells secondhand clothing for the whole family. The company hand-inspects every item before selling it. It also provides a 30-day return policy. This is a great option for anyone who is worried about the quality of merchandise at some of the bigger online thrifting sites.
Why Thrifting?
Thrifting is a great way to save money on clothing while also supporting local businesses and non-profits. It’s also a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and avoid contributing to the exploitation of workers in factories that produce fast fashion items. Plus, it’s a fun way to find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that will add some personality to your wardrobe.
The popularity of thrifting has risen as people have become more conscious about the fashion industry’s impact on our environment. 92 million tons of textiles are discarded each year, and buying secondhand clothes and accessories helps to decrease the amount of waste produced. Many of the clothes that are sold in thrift stores were donated by consumers, so when you buy them, you’re helping to support a local business and give new life to old items.
Not only is it good for the environment, but thrifting can also be a way to make sure you’re getting a quality product at a reasonable price. The best online thrift stores will have a wide variety of clothing options, from vintage winter sweaters to athleisure pieces and everything in between. Some of the most popular online thrift stores include Tradesy, Poshmark and eBay. Tradesy is a great option for finding more unique clothing items, as they focus on selling designer pieces and brands that aren’t found elsewhere. Poshmark is another great online thrift store, as they allow you to sell your own clothing and have a huge selection of styles to choose from.
eBay is another great place to find secondhand clothing, as they have a variety of brands and styles available. Their curated selection makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Another great option is Thrifted, which is a company that believes in giving clothing “three or more lives.” They aim to change the fashion industry by teaching consumers about sustainable shopping habits and promoting ethical production practices.
If you’re interested in trying out a more modern version of the thrift shop, check out the app Depop. This app allows you to sell and buy secondhand clothing directly from your phone, and it’s been dubbed the “fashion marketplace for the next generation.” The Depop team hand-inspects each piece of clothing before it gets sold, so you can be sure that you’re only getting high-quality clothing when you shop here.
Where to Find Thrift Stores
Whether you’re shopping for clothing or furniture, thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets are the best places to find hidden gems. Not only will you save money, but you’ll be helping to reduce waste and support local businesses. Buying used items takes patience and creativity, but with the right know-how, thrifting is a great way to find unique pieces that reflect your personal style and support sustainable fashion practices.
Many thrift shops are run by charitable organizations and stock their shelves with donations from the public. They often sell clothing at a discounted rate, but you’ll also find furniture, books, accessories, and household goods. A popular option for shoppers is Goodwill, which has a huge selection and each purchase helps to support charitable efforts like job services and family assistance.
Other thrift shops have a more selective approach to their stock and focus on high-end brands that are not mass produced. One Scoop Store, for example, is a female-founded online retailer that sells secondhand vintage and designer clothing and aims to disrupt the fast-fashion industry. Their collection includes brands like Zara, Betsy Johnson, and Oscar de la Renta.
For a more affordable alternative to high-end thrifting, try Mighty Thrift, a small business that offers curated 90s and Y2K clothing, shoes and lingerie. If you’re in the mood for something a little more luxurious, head to Vestiaire Collective, which is a B Corp-certified thrift store that ships globally to conscious consumers and supports groups pushing for a more sustainable fashion system.
Mercari is another online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories. You can choose from a range of brands, from high street to luxury, and the platform also donates half its profits to charity. Another great option is Thrift+, which carries clothes, shoes and accessories from a wide selection of high-street and designer brands.
Lastly, Lucky Sweater is a community-based marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of curated clothing, shoes, and accessories. It also provides a variety of sustainable and ethical fashion brands to help you shop responsibly.
How to Thrift
The popularity of thrifting is rising, and with it a whole new generation of fashion lovers who are eager to get their hands on unique pieces at an affordable price. But, for those who are not already savvy thrifters, the experience can be overwhelming and discouraging. To make the most of your thrifting adventures, here are a few tips to help you find the best clothes, furniture, and decor while keeping your budget in check:
Know when to shop. Thrift stores see an upswing in donations at certain times of the year. For example, if you live near a college town, hit up the thrift shops during winter and summer breaks when students are moving and clearing out their closets. Another great time to visit is December, when many charities are accepting last-minute donations for tax deductions.
Don’t be afraid to haggle. It’s not uncommon to be able to negotiate the price of an item at a thrift store, especially if it has a tag or woven mark that indicates it’s been a previous owner. Likewise, it’s not always unreasonable to ask for a discount on high-end items or name brand clothing, especially if it has a few scratches or watermarks.
Set a goal and stick to it. It’s easy to fall into a several-hour thrifting binge session, so it’s important to pace yourself and set a clear goal before you enter the store. This will keep you from buying items that you don’t need or won’t wear. Similarly, skip the “but it’s so cheap” trap and only buy things that align with your values.
While you’re thrifting, be sure to browse the shoe and bag sections as well. These areas can be a little less crowded than the clothing racks and often house the best finds. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle any clothing or shoes you no longer wear by reselling them to a secondhand shop or giving them to someone in need. The more you recycle, the fewer items will be thrown away or sent to landfills. So, if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, consider swapping out fast fashion trends for slow ones by thrifting and shopping secondhand, supporting sustainable brands, or learning how to repair and repurpose clothing instead of purchasing new.
