Mastering the Art of Thrift Shopping
Written by Rita Jabbour
@_ritajabbour
Thumbnail and banner image by Chrissie Kremer on Unsplash
Queue Macklemore’s ‘Thrift Shop’ because, let’s face it, it is impossible to think of thrift shopping without getting the song stuck in your head again. But it’s not the song we’re addressing here- it’s the act itself. Second-hand shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, this wasn’t always the case. People tended to be skeptical of purchasing used clothing, claiming that it is unsanitary and stigmatized to wear items other people have used. Over time, more favourable attitudes towards thrift shopping have emerged, precisely due to Gen Z’s embracement of second-hand fashion. Their consumerism and positive attitude towards thrifting account for more than 40% of the world’s thrift shoppers.
But what is thrift shopping exactly? As the name implies, it involves purchasing clothes or other items previously owned by someone else rather than buying them directly from a retail store or manufacturer.
Despite the apparent uncertainty some individuals may have towards buying second-hand clothing, shopping at a thrift store has many advantages.
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The planet will thank you. Thrift shopping is good for the environment. The manufacturing, producing, packaging, and distributing of new clothes requires an immense amount of energy and water, just as clothing disposal takes a toll on the environment. By choosing to buy second-hand items, you are literally reducing, reusing, and recycling!
Your wallet will be pleased. You will likely find clothes at lower prices for higher qualities at thrift stores. Imagine the excitement and satisfaction you could get from walking into a thrift store and discovering their impressive deals. Not only will you be saving money to buy clothes, accessories, décor, and much more, but you’ll also be paying less for more valuable qualities.
Thrift stores will never disappoint you. They have a constantly varying assortment of products because they consistently receive newly abandoned items. This is a great advantage compared to other retail stores, which tend to stock the same collections for months at a time. There will always be something new and intriguing at a thrift store, so it’s hard to blasé.
Your wardrobe will get a makeover. Yes, it’s true: you wouldn’t be the only one getting an upgrade once you begin shopping at a thrift store. Because thrift stores receive donations from various people across the years, they end up with a wide diversity of products spanning decades, styles, sizes, and qualities. In other words, you can find uniquely vintage clothes (or other items) that you would not find elsewhere, whether that may be because they are no longer sold or because they are just one-of-a-kind. Thrift shopping is essentially a tailor-made treasure hunt!
Your community will be grateful. Most thrift stores are independently owned and donate their profits to those in need. By purchasing second-hand items from these stores, you are contributing to your community and making a difference for those to whom it matters the most.
If you are now convinced of the benefits of thrift shopping and are intrigued to go out and browse through a store, here are some handy tips you should keep in mind:
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Make a list & set a budget: it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the attractiveness of the low prices. Thinking about the type of thing you truly need and your budget will help you stay focused on whatever that is.
Wear a comfortable outfit: you will need to be flexible to squat down, stand tall, and do some digging. Unlike regular retail stores where similar products are organized together, in thrift stores, categorization is more general. You will have to take your time to browse through hanging racks and shelves to find what you’re looking for, and you can’t do that unless you feel comfortable.
Plan ahead and give yourself enough time: you might expect to go into a thrift shop for a few minutes but find that you’re sucked into the endless rows and racks of clothing, accessories, and other products. Losing track of time is particularly an issue if you have commitments or plans that day. So, make sure you dedicate a decent amount of time to fully embrace what the store has to offer without worrying about running late.
Check for faults in the clothes (or other products): Although there are several advantages to buying things second-hand (scroll back up if you’ve forgotten them already), it is essential to remember that another person has owned these items at some point since their conception. Therefore, check for rips, holes, stains, and other damages before deciding whether to buy the piece of clothing (or other product).
Take a breather: Once you find something you like, think about the items to avoid impulsively purchasing something you don’t need. This tip ties back with the first one; don’t let the cheap prices blind you with desire. You’re still spending your hard-earned money on whatever you’re buying, and the surer you are about the purchase, the happier you’ll be with it later. (Check out my article on the effects of retail therapy if you find yourself relying on purchases to improve your mood). So, take a couple of laps around the store before deciding in order to evaluate your choice.
Congratulations on making it this far! You’ve learned the benefits of thrifting and (hopefully) taken notes on the tips. You are one step away from mastering the art of thrift shopping; all you need to do now is go out and thrift shop!
Here are a few (of many!) thrift stores you can check out around Halifax:
Great Things in Store: 334 Herring Cove Road, Halifax
The Salvation Army Thrift Store: 3667 Strawberry Hill Street, Halifax
Hand In Hand: 440 Herring Cove Rd, Halifax
Value Village: 165 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax
Elsie’s Used Clothing: 1530 Queen St, Halifax
In conclusion, thrift shopping has a lot to offer. Don’t be scared of buying second-hand products; as long as you are conscientious and practical while browsing and shopping, you’ll have an awesome time looking through the unique, vintage, and diverse products. And who knows, you might even master the art of thrift shopping!