Over the past few years, thrifting has taken a tremendous climb in the world of apparel markets. It began as a necessity for people to be financially responsible and save money. However, thrifting quickly evolved into a popular trend especially amongst the younger generation as it allows individuals to express themselves freely while also bringing back the value of vintage clothing.
Hence why retail store chains such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, Citi Trends and Buffalo Exchange have seen a surge in sales due to the heightened popularization of shopping secondhand. For example, the average person can buy a cart worth of secondhand items through the stores that were mentioned and still have enough money to go another round the next week. Not only can they thrift in stores, but they can also save a trip and do it in the comfort of their home.
Apps such as Depop, which was founded in 2011, are starting to become a go-to for secondhand clothing. It gives them the option to buy or sell items at a cost-effective price.
Thrifting can be reliable, but also posed as competition to larger clothing corporations that produce newer items. When thrifting, they can buy items that are worth up to thousands of dollars for less than the price. This can lead to the start of a decline in the market for department store chains.
Along with this, the term “fast fashion” has surfaced. Fast fashion is where a company mass produces clothing to capitalize on popular trends. Retail store chains such as Shein and Romwe have faced allegations of unethical practices of fast fashion.
According to ELLE Magazine, they allegedly violated labor laws and copied small businesses. So, people are more likely to shop for sustainability and local places where they can get the items for a fair price, qualities that thrifting brings.
The rise of secondhand clothing has changed the traditional way that people shop and how they view the fashion world. Thrifting is unpredictable with there being so many hidden gems to discover as one browses through a local Goodwill or anywhere that cherishes the art of thrifting.
