Second-hand stores boom as inflation rises
Second-hand stores like Goodwill Alberta have seen a massive increase in sales as inflation rises.
Buying second-hand has become so popular there’s a term for it. It’s called ‘thrifting’, The people who do it call themselves thrifters, and many of them are into it for more than just saving a buck.
“There's certain things that I will spend more money for, but there's a lot of things, trendier items that you're not going to wear for very long, it's nice to get a deal," said Lynnette Emery, while shopping at the Goodwill Plaza location. “There's good quality items. The other thing too is even the reuse recycle portion of it right? Like there's all these clothes in here. Why not come shop at a store and you know, reuse items as well”?
As well as more buyers the pandemic has more people cleaning their closets, and it’s changing the type of donations seen in the stores.
Buying second-hand has become so popular there’s a term for it. It’s called ‘thrifting’, The people who do it call themselves thrifters, and many of them are into it for more than just saving a buck.
“It's amazing. Some of the things and name brands that come through here. We've seen people picking up Gucci bracelets, Michael Kors purses, it's all over the map,” said Jasmine Robinson, Marketing Coordinator for Goodwill Alberta “We actually hit records last year, for the most donors we've ever had, in the 63 years, we've been an organization.”
The used market for clothing is as varied as the traditional retail market. Vespucci Consignment specializes in high end designer clothing. Brands like Versace, Chanel, and Burberry hang on the rack, but the price tags are half or less what a buyer would see in a retail store.
As well as more buyers the pandemic has more people cleaning their closets, and it’s changing the type of donations seen in the stores.
“That's definitely attractive to our customer base is they'll see these pieces that maybe they don't want to buy for full price, but they definitely want to get it for half the price," said Katy Skinner, Vespucci's marketing and social media coordinator. “Another factor is definitely sustainability. That's become a core value in a lot of consumers. They want to see that product life cycle extends - they don't want to waste, they want to give back.
"And this is a way they can do that.”
A2021 fashion industry report done for the group thredUP predicts ‘fast fashion’ will continue to grow by about 20 per cent in the next decade. The reused market is set to outstrip that, growing by 185 per cent.
NOT-SO-FAST FASHION
Fast fashion is defined as that type of clothing usually found at mall retailers, often made in developing nations, and not designed for long-term use.
Thomas Barnicki leapt into the reused market as a result of that sort of predicted growth. Barnicki used to work at a high-end men’s store selling designer brand.
Now he's selling the same brands on consignment at a fraction of the price.
“When you hear the word pre-owned or used you think there's going to be rip stains and this and that, but the reality is, the majority of it is in like new condition,” said Barnicki who said once a garment leaves a consignment store and is worn again, no one knows it’s used.
"We are seeing a lot of young professionals purchase second-hand suits, (and) sport jackets, and you'd absolutely never be able to tell the difference unless you were to ask them - and they were to tell you”
Social media is also playing a big role in removing the stigma that was once attached to second-hand clothes. Grace Quinn operated all things GQ. The PR professional turned consignment retailer said her social media posts have dramatically boosted sales.
”It’s definitely attracting the young professionals most of my friends and my age – so the demographic of 21 to 31. I love it. It makes my heart very happy," said Quinn. “Now people are wanting to go because it's trendy and cool and you can find one-of-a-kind items.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Israel says it reopened a key Gaza crossing after a rocket attack but the UN says no aid has entered
The Israeli military said Wednesday that it has reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza, a key terminal for the entry of humanitarian aid that was closed over the weekend after a Hamas rocket attack killed four Israeli soldiers nearby.
'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.