Shopping today takes many forms. Aside from the usual shopping centers and online websites, one trend that has re-emerged on the scene is thrift store shopping. Thrift stores first became popular in the late 19th century, when clothes were seen as more disposable due to mass production.
Goodwill and The Salvation Army have started organizing their items like department stores, making more people feel comfortable doing thrift store shopping. With several racks of distinct trends, one can enjoy a unique style of shopping that is easy on the wallet. Thrift store shopping can benefit you more than you think. Here are the best reasons we should all shop at thrift stores.
1. It Saves You Money
People with limited financial resources often shop at thrift stores to stretch their budgets. Frugal living is always a good idea. It is always helpful to practice frugality, whenever possible. Why pay the full price for a new item if you can get one at a thrift store at a steep discount.
With thrift store shopping, you can get many pieces and still save a whole lot more!
2. It Supports Charities
Most thrift shops are operated by charitable or non-profit groups. Local churches, schools, hospitals, and even rehab centers often have resale stores to support their causes. While you can donate items to show your support, you can help them even more by buying their items.
3. It Saves The Environment
Shopping for thrift shop clothes provides less damage to the environment. Evidence shows that only about 20% of discarded clothes are being reused or recycled. The remaining 80% of textiles are being incinerated or dumped in landfills. Incineration produces carbon dioxide and other gases, which causes global warming and is dangerous to your health.
With retail manufacturing contributing to more waste and pollution, shopping at a thrift store encourages reusing and recycling garments.
4. It Promotes Community Development
One of the greatest benefits of thrift shopping is helping local businesses instead of multinational corporations. Thrift shops hire people to man retail stores or donation centers. This, in turn, creates more jobs, even for disabled people, and boosts the local economy.
5. It Gives You A Unique Wardrobe
When you purchase new clothes from popular retail stores such as Forever 21, Macy’s, or Nordstrom, you’ll probably run into other people wearing the same items. Thrift stores have a much more diverse collection because they are stocking new items regularly. No piece of clothing is the same. If you dig through the racks, you may even find quality brands or designer items.
Fashion is also cyclical, and designers often mimic the looks of different decades. Shopping at thrift stores can help you get vintage clothing that is coming back into style. These are some of the remarkable finds you would not see anywhere else.
Also, the reduced prices of second-hand clothing make it easier for you to change up your styles if new trends are out.
6. It Allows More Creativity
As mentioned earlier, thrift stores may offer you vintage items. While some may be downright eyesores, many just need revamping. Adding the right accessories or remodeling the garment with some shears can make it look contemporary. Thrifting allows you to be more creative and transform your personal style for the better.
7. It Is More Than Just Clothing
Aside from clothing and other fashion items, you can find a sizable furniture section in most thrift stores. You can buy basic furniture, appliances, kitchenware, and other home decors without getting into financial trouble. Basic materials for DIY projects and exercise equipment are available too!
8. You Can Resell Items for Profit
Entrepreneurial shoppers buy second-hand items to resell online. Thrift stores are excellent sources for bargain items that can be resold to earn money. Many shoppers are interested in getting designer clothes or unique decors that you can source from a thrift shop.
Thrift store shopping can be fun and you can cop a lot of things you’d never expect to find. If you are in FL or TN, check Haven House Thrift Stores. They help men overcome drug and alcohol addiction by offering inpatient services at Haven House Addiction Recovery. Support a great organization while doing some sustainable shopping!
