A Thought For Your Next Thrift Trip

I always love my trips to a thrift store. Finding unique vintage trinkets and clothes that transport me back to decades ago. It is like an affordable time travel machine. Not to mention, I’d be reusing pieces and giving them a second life. 

My last trip, though, was a bit different. Racks were overflowing with names such as Shein and Zara. I was transported to merely a few months ago. The definition of vintage translated to circa 2020 instead. Prices have noticeably risen as if met with an inflation of their own. This trip is much different. 

I’m sure people have stumbled upon many small businesses, so to speak, on apps such as Depop or Poshmark. They largely sell vintage clothing that is currently trendy at a high price. A trained eye will recognize that these items can be found at a local thrift store. Is this a new era of thrift store gentrification? 

Thrift store gentrification refers to affluent shoppers buying from second-hand stores such as Value Village or Salvation Army. These shoppers often will resell their purchases on online stores at significantly higher prices. In turn, to meet the demand, thrift stores will raise their prices. These stores will become “gentrified” as it will push away low-income buyers - for whom the store is originally serving - to make way for those who can now afford the merchandise. The outcome is tragic, as low-income communities are being restricted access to clothing at these stores even though they were originally the target audience; those most in need. 

“But if I can't shop at secondhand stores because of accessibility and cannot buy from fast fashion stores because of ethical and sustainability issues, where do I shop from?” In today’s world, there is no perfect answer. I believe it all comes down to individual shoppers and their consumption motivations. Are you buying to resell at a higher price instead of wearing the clothing for yourself? Is this your 6th trip at a thrift store in a week even though you are able to afford sustainable clothing? Such questions must be brought forth into the conversation regarding accessibility in sustainable fashion. It is important to be mindful of the history of second-hand clothing stores and who they were designed for. These are thoughts that are important to consider before your next thrifting trip, as I’m certain I will do so before mine.