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
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.