Nonprofit thrift stores growing rapidly as shoppers prioritize bargains and re-use

[Ohiogal]

Thrift stores, viewed a generation ago as places where poor people shop, are now attracting more middle class, environmentally conscious consumers in search of vintage and one-of-a-kind items.

“Traditionally thrift does a little bit better when the economy is down,” said Brent Babcock, Goodwill’s chief sales and marketing officer. “Right now, we are experiencing the opposite of that in our organization. The economy is strong and we are doing very well also.”

“In the late 1990s, early 2000s, a lot of folks — particularly younger folks — thought it was OK to purchase thrift goods,” Wirth-Davis said. “With Craigslist, they were selling things to each other. It became much more mainstream and another venue for shopping that people found fun and a place to find what they were looking for.”

http://www.startribune.com/nonprofit-thrift-stores-growing-rapidly-as-shoppers-prioritize-bargains-and-reuse/503418652/

[Demovictory9]

1. I decluttered over the holidays. Dropped off 5 bags of stuff. Feels good to clear out.

of course, everytime i drop off stuff, i browse for a bit. thrift stores are great.

[Blue_true]

23. I did that over the last two years.

I just had way too much stuff, never touched 80% of it.

[flamin lib]

2. Once upon a time thrift stores were like piles of worn out clothes

and applianceselectronics that didn't work. Most modern thrifts are now sorted, stocked with merchandise that is, for the most part, indistinguishable from "new".

[Lochloosa]

3. I bought shorts with the tag still on them last year.

[ProudLib72]

4. There are a lot of consignment shops near me that I frequent

I find high end brands for cheap! And I see nothing wrong with buying used clothing. My current favorite shirt is one that goes for $70 new, but I got it for $16.

[Ohiogal]

5. I buy about 3/4 of what I wear at consignment stores

Many things new and never worn with tags still on! Some really high end stuff for cheap! It's fun to find a bargain.

Plus I am cheap and can't afford the prices at stores like Macy's.

[ProudLib72]

21. A few years ago I found a Patagonia jacket for $40

Of course I bought it. Then I looked up how much it was new, and it was around $200. Patagonia has a lifetime warranty, so I am covered forever (or until the next great find).

I have a friend who will sometimes accompany me into the consignment stores. She told me that her family shunned second hand clothing and she had never really been inside to take a look. Now she is coming around to the idea that consignment stores are cool places.

[Sherman A1]

6. It is good to see that folks are looking at alternatives

to just buying new and then tossing items.

[Liberty Belle]

7. I buy a lot of items at thrift stories for charity auctions

to benefit a nonprofit I head up. If we're auctioning off say, bottles of wine, adding some vintage wine glasses or a wine rack increase the value and costs us very little.

I've also bought cookbooks, decorative platters, pottery, CDs, pretty purses, jewelry and a crystal punch bowl set, too.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

8. Been shopping at local Goodwills and consignment stores

A lot this year. Used to do so during college but decided to go check them out again. Aside from the prices a lot of the items there still have price tags on them and they certainly don't make clothes like they used to anymore.

This week, I found a fully lined wool and lambswool Pendleton jacket at a consignment shop that was on sale for 75% off. I paid $8.75 for it!

Finally, the money goes toward a good cause and it is environmentally sound to shop thrift stores. Win/win!

[crazycatlady]

9. I have a bag of stuff to drop off at Goodwill

[Hassler]

10. St Vinnie, Goodwill and Salvation Army are my usual first stops.

[smirkymonkey]

11. I have a ton of stuff to give away. Closets full.

I wish there was an agency that made it easier. I don't have a car and don't drive, so it would be great if there was a pick-up service. I have a lot of nice things from when I had to wear more professional clothing and I hope to never have to wear it again, but it would be great for people who are getting back in the job market and need interview clothing.

I know their are agencies who supply professional clothing, but you have to bring it there yourself. A lot of people in cities don't have cars so it would be great to have a service that picked up donated goods and distributed them to shelters, agencies that help people in need, and other social services. There is definitely a need for a distribution service.

[area51]

12. I think Salvation Army

may offer some pickups of items.

[smirkymonkey]

20. Thank you!

I will look into it!

[mia]

14. Vietnam Veterans of America

Pick-up Please

[smirkymonkey]

18. Thank you!

[crazycatlady]

15. ThreadUP

It is an online thrift/consignment store. You print out shipping labels and they do the rest.

I've never actually used it, but a few friends do. I end up giving old things to my friends to do the work.

[smirkymonkey]

19. Thank you!

That's very helpful! I have wanted to get rid of these clothes for so long, but I want them to go to someone because they are still good and some of them have never been worn. I know there are people out there who would appreciate them.

[Ohiogal]

16. In my area, the Volunteers of America will pick up items if you call them.

[smirkymonkey]

17. That's good to know!

Thank you! I will look it up!

[cally]

13. I buy almost all my clothes at thrift stores

And online thrift stores. I’m allergic to polyester and I find much more options in older clothes. Plus, it’s much less expensive and I’m not supporting companies wrecking the climate.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

22. because... when you throw something away, where is away?