Written By Ema Hidlebaugh
I know that I’m preaching to the choir for my fellow fashionistas and bargain hunters, but for everyone else, I have a really important question: Have you ever considered thrift shopping?
Buying things secondhand and from thrift stores makes my life richer, fun, and more eco-friendly.
It's not just about finding affordable pieces but also about sustainable fashion and unique finds.
In this article, we'll explore the wonderful world of thrift shopping and how it can benefit your wallet, your style, and the planet.
So grab your reusable bags, and let's dive in!
1) What is thrifting?
Thrifting generally means buying affordable and unique secondhand items that have been donated to thrift stores.
However, thrifting is also sometimes used as a blanket term for buying preowned items—whether from thrift stores, online, at consignment stores, flea markets, vintage stores, garage sales, estate sales, etc.
It is a popular way to reduce waste and promote sustainability by giving new life to pre-owned items as an alternative to them ending up in the landfill.
2) What types of thrift stores are there?
Thrift stores can be non-profit to support charities or communities, for-profit organizations, or consignment shops where individuals can sell their gently used items
Some are tied to religious organizations, although many are not.
Some thrift stores are little more than tiny corridors, whereas some are as big as big box stores.
Many thrift stores sell a wide variety of goods, but there are some specialty thrift stores that focus on certain categories such as furniture, books, children’s items, etc., or vintage and antique stores that specialize in a curated inventory of retro and classic items.
3) What’s the difference between for profit vs non profit thrift stores?
Non profit thrift stores mostly sell donated items to help raise funds for one or more charities or causes.
They are often run by volunteers.
For profit thrift stores are usually run by employees, and whilst they may support charitable causes, their main goal is to make a profit.
I used to only support non profit thrift stores but I now support for profit thrift stores too, here’s why:
My main priorities are reducing waste, avoiding fast fashion, and saving money - all of which are achieved by both types of thrift store
Just because an organization is non-profit does not mean that it’s charitable and aligns with my personal beliefs
I love how well organized, clean and tidy my local for profit thrft store is
4) What’s the difference between a thrift store and a consignment store?
Thrift stores usually receive free donations from the local community whereas consignment stores will usually buy items to then resell, or sell items on behalf of individuals who receive a percentage of the sale price.
You can usually find higher quality items at consignment stores, but you will pay higher prices.
However, that’s not always the case if you’re willing to be patient - I’ve donated and bought plenty of high quality, designer goods from thrifts stores.
5) What’s the difference between a thrift store and a vintage store?
Vintage stores are usually curated with items that have been handpicked from thrift stores, verified to be genuine, with minimal wear and tear, and then professionally cleaned so they can be sold for more.
6) How does thrifting differ from traditional shopping?
Thrifting involves purchasing secondhand items from thrift stores, whereas traditional shopping involves buying new items from retail stores.
Thrifting is often more eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but may require more time and effort to find desired items.
7) What other names are thrift stores known by?
Thrift stores are also known as secondhand stores, consignment shops, and resale shops.
They may also be referred to by names of common chains, such as Goodwill, Value Village, Talize, Salvation Army (sometimes given the nickname Sally Ann), etc.
Goodwill has both boutique and bargain basem*nt stores - the latter is known as “the bins” because items are periodically brought out in large storage bins and are charged by weight.
In the UK, they are usually known as charity shops, and in Australia, they are commonly referred to as the op shop (short for opportunity).
8) What are some thrift statistics?
31% of Canadians have bought secondhand furniture from a thrift store
62% percent of Gen Z and millennial consumers said they look for items secondhand before buying new
Thrift store shoppers save an average of $1,760 per year by buying secondhand items.
81% of first-time thrifters plan to spend the same amount or more on secondhand in the next 5 years
If you are in to graphic design, thrifting, or statistics (or all three like me), I really cannot recommend checking out this statistical report by ThredUP.
I’ve never seen statistics presented so beautifully - and that used to be my day job!
9) Which thrift store is best?
The best thrift store varies by each individual person and by what’s available in their location.
Here are some factors that some people may measure to choose their best or favourite thrift store:
How close it is to them
How convenient it is to get to
How much parking is available
How friendly the staff are
How easy it is to donate items
Whether they offer incentives for donating
How good the sales are
How regular the sales are
How clear the prices are
How clean it is
How crowded vs. quiet it is
How fair the pricing is
The quality of items found
Whether clothes are organized by color or size
Whether plus sizes are available
How nice the store displays are
Their social media presence
How trendy they are
The size of the store
Variety of items
Theme of the store
10) Which thrift store is the cheapest?
The prices at thrift stores vary wildly, but here is the lowdown of our local thrift stores:
I find Salvation Army prices to sometimes be so high that they are sometimes asking for more than the item was new, but, sometimes they have great sales.
Just the other day, they had 40% off toys for their email subscribers, and I paid $13 for $104 worth of high-quality Schleich animal toys.
I find Talize prices generally fairer than Value Village's, but the best value can usually be found at a small, independent thrift store run by a local church.
The best way to ensure you’re getting a good price is to become familiar with your local stores and research how much the items they offer may cost new.
11) Who invented thrifting?
The concept of thrifting, or buying second-hand items, has been around for centuries.
However, the modern concept of thrift stores as we know them today is attributed to charities in England in the mid to late 1800s, including the Salvation Army.
12) Is thrifting weird?
It’s a lot less weird than it used to be, that’s for sure!
Every generation that comes seems to be a little thriftier and wiser than the last.
I’m an elder millennial myself and wearing secondhand clothes was not something I would have been shouting from the rooftops about when I was a teenager.
Now look at Gen-Z - they’re loud and proud about their thrifted looks.
So it’s official, thrifting is cool AF.
So much so that the biggest trend in gifting nowadays is secondhand items.
Slight sidebar - similarly to how thrifted items are now celebrated, dupes (or knock-offs as we used to call them) are now too.
I’m not talking about shabby counterfeit items but better-quality dupes of best-selling items that people are loudly and proudly sporting nowadays.
Fake UGGs would have been mortifying when they were first in fashion, but this time round, dupes are all the rage.
Drug stores and Amazon dupes sometimes go even more viral than the products that inspired them.
I’ll always be a thrifter at heart, and it’s fascinating to see how public popularity shifts.
13) Who shops at thrift stores?
You will find a diverse crowd at most thrift stores, including but not limited to:
Eco-conscious people - prioritizing items that have already been made is a great way to keep items out of the landfill and stop the fast fashion cycle
Creative people - thrifting is the best way to not look like everyone else
Frugal people - The thrift store is a great place when you need to save money. When I used to track all of my thrift purchases, I saw discounts ranging from 56-94% compared to recommended retail prices.
Collectors - Thrift stores are treasure troves when it comes to building up any collection. When you’ve got a trained eye, certain items will just JUMP out at you. As a minimalist, I try to steer clear of collections, but there’s one that I can’t resist. They’re supposed to be for my daughter Willow, but it’s more so for me. I love finding high-quality animal figures from brands like Schleich and Papo. They’re usually hidden away in bulk bags with Happy Meal and dollar store toys. Willow gets them for a few years …but I want them back as soon as she’s too cool for them :)
Vintage enthusiasts - because you can’t go back in time to shop
Students - students definitely don’t let limited funds limit their style!
Young families - I did not comprehend how quickly tiny humans grow. I remember dissolving into a puddle of hormonal tears when I realized that baby Willow had grown out of the majority of her newborn outfits without even wearing them once. Thank goodness for thrift stores so we could find cute outfits in the next size up for a fraction of the price we’d pay new.
Retirees - Whether it’s to stick to a fixed budget, take a walk down memory lane, or do something fun to fill an afternoon, you’ll see lots of retirees perusing the aisles of the thrift store.
Designers - I love the “make an outfit from Goodwill purchases” week on Project Runway and the ‘Transformation” challenges on the Great British Sewing Bee. It’s amazing to see how more talented designers are looking to reuse existing items.
Resellers - reselling thrift finds can be lucrative, but some people link it to the surging prices of thrifted items and raise concerns that it ruins things for people who rely on thrifting to clothe themselves and their family.
14) What are the benefits of thrifting?
Here’s a tiny sample of thrifting benefits:
The thrill of the hunt
Eco-friendly
Supports a circular economy
Support slow fashion
Save money
Read all 27 thrifting benefits here.
15) Is it safe to buy from thrift stores?
Thrift stores can be a safe place to buy items, but it's important to take precautions based on your level of comfort.
Make sure to inspect the items thoroughly before purchasing and check for any damage or signs of wear.
Additionally, consider washing or sanitizing any clothing or accessories before use.
It's also a good idea to research the store's policies on returns and exchanges, as many only offer store credit or are completely unable to accept returns.
16) What is sold at thrift stores?
Stores may vary, but there is usually a wide range of items sold at thrift stores, including but not limited to:
Clothes
Shoes
Accessories
Storage items
Decorative items
Seasonal items
Crockery
Cutlery
Utensils
Tupperware
Art
Sports equipment
Linens
Toys
Books
Music
Costumes
Electronics
Furniture
Craft Supplies
Office Supplies
Pet Supplies
Tools
Luggage
Exercise equipment
Games, etc.
17) Do I need to clean clothes from the thrift stores before I wear them?
Some places claim to wash items before putting them out but I would always wash clothes before wearing them just to be safe.
18) Is thrift shopping cheaper?
Thrifting is so much cheaper than buying items brand new.
My thrift savings range from 56-94% on recommended retail prices.
Based on the average family annual spend on clothing, you could save $1000-1700 a year by thrifting all of your clothes.
That doesn’t even include all of the savings on the other non-clothing items you could buy from the thrift store too.
19) Are items at the thrift store quality checked?
This varies from location to location, but you should always take extra care to inspect items for damage, stains, tears, or missing parts before buying them.
I often look an item up online to check it looks as it should.
For instance, I once nearly bought a juicer until I realized that it was missing a really uniquely shaped and, therefore, difficult-to-replace attachment that caught all of the pulp - that would have been a messy waste of money!
20) Can I return items to the thrift store?
Be sure to check the return policy.
It’s not uncommon for thrift stores to either not accept returns at all or only offer store credit.
21) Why are some thrift store price tags different colors?
Many thrift stores change the color of their price tag each week.
This allows them to run flash sales based on when items come out onto the sales floor, which helps them move older inventory quickly.
Be sure to ask staff to explain their price tags if you’re unsure, as there are usually lots of money-saving opportunities to be had.
22) Why are some items stored behind counters and in glass cabinets at the thrift store?
It’s not uncommon to see more expensive or collectible items locked away.
It should still be available to buy, so ask a volunteer or staff member if you want to examine it more closely.
23) Is thrift shopping addictive?
Thrift shopping can be addictive for some people (read: me) due to the excitement of finding unique and affordable items, the thrill of the hunt, and the satisfaction of reducing waste.
However, not everyone will experience it in the same way.
I balance thrift shopping and minimalism by sticking to my thrift wish list and setting a budget.
24) What is thrift shopping good for?
Everything and anything.
Seriously, unless it’s super urgent, I would highly recommend getting into the habit of checking thrift stores and the secondhand market before you buy anything new.
Seriously, you’ll be amazed at what you can find at a fraction of the cost.
Side note: As a recovering shopaholic, every purchase can feel urgent to me, so following this step helps me pause before hitting the buy button, and helps me make more intentional purchases (you can read all of the steps I took to reduce my impulse purchases here).
25) Do thrift stores sell current, vintage, or antique clothes?
Antique clothes are any clothing older than 100 years old.
Vintage items are between 20-100 years old.
Current clothes are clothing that are less than 20 years old.
Thrift stores mostly sell current-day and vintage clothes.
26) Do thrift stores smell?
Thrift stores often have an aroma that is 30% nostalgia, 30% history, 30% opportunity, and 10% dust.
27) What can I donate to the thrift store?
What you can donate to thrift stores varies from location to location.
Here are my tips about donating, but check the thrift store’s website for specifics.
28) What are the best thrifting tips
Here’s a sample of thrifting tips for you:
Always ask if there are currently any offers available
It takes longer than you expect, so either give yourself lots of time or set a timer
Make a thrift wish list to avoid buying things you don’t want or need
Drop donation items off every time you go shopping to help tackle your clutter
If something is a “maybe”, pick it up anyway, as it’s heartbreaking when you decide you want it …only to see it in someone else’s shopping basket
Read all 51 thrifting tips here.
29) What is online thrift shopping?
An online thrift shop is a place to buy secondhand items online from the comfort of your own home.
They are great for people who don’t have the time, inclination, or means to shop for bargains in-store.
Most platforms are very user-friendly, and you can easily search for specific items using filters.
Here are some online thrift stores you could check out:
30) How do thrift stores help the environment & local community?
Thrift stores help the environment and local community by:
Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills
Promoting the reuse of items instead of buying new ones
Reducing the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of new goods
Providing affordable shopping options for those in need
Many thrift stores support charitable causes
31) How often do thrift stores restock?
How often a thrift store restocks varies from location to location, but the best ones will restock throughout the day to ensure there’s always exciting new inventory for people to peruse.
32) Is thrifting becoming problematic?
It depends on who you ask - for instance, anyone who benefits from fast fashion will definitely say yes.
Some people argue that the rise of thrifting has led to a decrease in demand for new products, which can hurt businesses and workers in the retail industry
…but on the flip side, you could say that the boom in manufacturing and transportation has caused considerable harm to the planet and consumer debt numbers.
Some people say that the increased popularity of thrifting has led to an increase in textile waste, as people often donate clothes that are not in good enough condition to be resold.
…but donating clothes is not the root cause of all of our excess textiles from fast fashion.
It’s definitely true that a large portion of donated items are never sold out on the thrift shop floor though.
We can take a personal stand on this by quality checking the items that we donate, and recycling, repurposing or ethically discarding of them if they are not in a good enough condition to be resold.
We can also be more aware of what organizations we donate our items to, as some are more transparent about what they do with unsold items than others.
Another argument I hear around thrifting is that plus size clothes are often bought by straight sized shoppers, who are looking to achieve the trendy, oversized aesthetic.
Aa a plus size woman, I really think that the blame for limited availability of trendy secondhand plus size items falls to fatphobia and discrimination from the wider fashion industry itself, not to thrift stores.
The most recent argument against thrifting that I’ve heard is that the increase in reselling is driving up prices and leaving some people in need unable to afford thrifted goods for their own personal use.
Similar to vintage stores, resellers hunt through thrift shops and select particular items to sell for a higher price.
They often make thrifted items more palatable and accessible to people who may not shop secondhand otherwise.
Hopefully, the secondhand and thrift shop sector can find a balance between providing secondhand items to the masses and ensuring our most vulnerable community members are still supported.
Overall, my personal opinion is the impact of thrifting is complex, but with mostly positive rather than negative aspects.
33) When did thrifting become so popular?
Thrifting gained popularity in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1990s as a way to rebel against consumerism and embrace individuality.
It has become a sustainable and budget-friendly trend that continues to grow in popularity.
34) When is the best time to go thrifting?
Different stores may vary, but new items are usually brought out regularly throughout the day.
So there’s not always necessarily a best time or day to shop.
However, ask the staff at your local store, as they may have some tips to share with you on when to find the best bargains.
For instance, if there’s a sale on all day, the first shoppers may see the best stuff - or the big secret may be that they hold off and bring the best stuff out after lunch.
The more you go, the easier it will become to spot patterns and true bargains.
35) Will you find something great every time you go thrift shopping?
I usually find at least one thing I want/need, but there is the odd time when nothing catches my eye, and I walk away empty-handed.
36) Where should I go thrifting first?
This answer is as unique as you.
My recommendation is just to start trying out your local thrift stores.
Some people love hunting through chaotic piles of items, whereas some people prefer a more high-end boutique feel.
However you like to shop, there’s a thrift store for you.
37) Where can I find thrift stores in my area?
The best way to find thrift stores is to search online or ask around.
I love getting personal recommendations for thrift stores, as they often have a unique character that is difficult to capture online.
BONUS :) Some of my favourite thrift finds:
Conclusion
It has been an absolute pleasure and an honour to chat about one of my favourite things today - thrift shopping - thanks for coming along for the ride!
I hope that this has covered all of your thrifting questions, but if not, please do not hesitate to add your question in the comments below.
In conclusion, thrift shopping is not only an environmentally friendly and affordable option, it’s also SO fun and rewarding.
By choosing to shop second-hand, we can reduce our carbon footprint and support our local communities.
So next time you're in need of a new outfit or household item, consider heading to your nearest thrift store and see what treasures you can find - I would be delighted to hear all about your latest thrift find in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d do a happy jig if you shared it with your friends, aaand you may be interested in checking out some of the below related articles:
51 secrets all thrift shoppers should know
The beautiful benefits of thrifting
How to give second-hand gifts that people LOVE
How to cut down on impulse buys if you’re a shopaholic
The trick that saves us an extra $2k a year
Find your unique style with this quiz
How to put together a personal uniform that you’ll love
Ema Hidlebaughhttp://www.MinimizeMyMess.com
