I was an avid thrift shopper in my youth, and as I’ve been recently renovating my house, I’ve begun visiting resale shops again with an awareness of the need to reduce waste and recycle goods. I both donate and purchase items and the fact that many resale shops reinvest money in the community is just another reason to spend - and enlarge my vintage Pyrex collection and passion for all things midcentury modern.
There are still great deals to be found while thrifting, but much has changed since I was a college student looking for cool clothes. Bargain hunting has become a big moneymaker in the post-recession era, with websites and apps now competing with charity shops. In fact, the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops reports the overall resale and thrifting industry is growing at a rate of seven percent per year
For profit sites like eBay and Craig’s List have long dominated the resale market, but I also frequent q number of newer sites that offer great merchandise at terrific prices.
· Chairish - resale site and app specifically designed for gently used (largely designer) furniture and home decor.
· Tradesy - a website and app that specializes in resale of gently used designer handbags, shoes, clothing, and accessories.
· ThredUp - site to buy and sell high-quality secondhand clothes
· OfferUp and LegGo – websites and apps promoting local, peer-to-peer commerce.
These brands have created steep competition for nonprofits like Goodwill and Salvation Army, which has resulted in improving both online and in-person shopping experiences.
Like this post if you are a thrift shopper!
Michele Garvey
editor, bemindful.com