Thrifting is becoming America’s newest pastime. Everybody loves a bargain!
Although it’s not new, thrift shopping is becoming more and more popular. According to a new survey, almost 20% of the U.S. population shop at thrift stores, and that number is expected to double by 2030. Resale stores have also grown almost 10% in the last two years.
But the benefits of thrifting go beyond just saving money. From saving your wallet to keeping up with the trends, secondhand shopping can help you and the world around you.
One woman in Virginia bought a $4 vase at a thrift store and resold it for $100,000! But saving and possibly earning money aren’t the only benefits of secondhand shopping.
One hundred billion clothing items are produced each year, and 92 million tons of them ultimately end up in landfills. By choosing secondhand items, we help to reduce the demand for new products and the production of more goods.
Thrift stores are treasure troves of one-of-a-kind items you won’t find in traditional retail stores.
Another benefit is that many thrift stores have proceeds supporting community initiatives, local charities, or global causes, so you indirectly support those efforts by thrifting.
“It’s just a sense of community. People love to resell,” said Jennifer Dodds, the Owner of Top-Drawer Fashion.
But there is a trick to the trade. First, thrifting can be cost-effective if you create a budget and stick to it.
Know what each store specializes in. You can find out through TikTok reviews.
Be open to customizing what you buy. You’ll need to know a good person for alterations.
Also, persistence is key. The more you go, the more treasures you will find.
A few more tips:
- Check that you’re getting a fair price
- Verify dimensions and other characteristics before you commit
- Inspect thrift store finds before you bring them home as you usually cannot return items