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
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
BREAKING London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.