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
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
BREAKING 14 suspects arrested in grandparent scam targeting seniors across Canada: Ontario police
An interprovincial investigation into a 'grandparents scam' that targeted seniors across Canada has led to the arrest of 14 suspects, Ontario Provincial Police say.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.