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ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Month: December 2025

Why Gen Z Loves Depop for Secondhand Fashion! — December 28, 2025

Why Gen Z Loves Depop for Secondhand Fashion!

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Founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman, Depop is a London-based social e-commerce platform that has become central to Gen Z’s fashion culture. Often compared to a blend of Instagram and eBay, it allows users to buy and sell secondhand clothes through an engaging interface where they can “like” items and follow their favorite sellers. By 2025, Depop has grown to over 43 million registered users and has surpassed $5 billion in sales since its inception. It remains an independent subsidiary of Etsy, which acquired it in 2021 for approximately $1.6 billion to tap into the thriving resale market. 

The platform’s success largely stems from its focus on circular fashion and unique styles like “sleaze academia” and “cottagecore,” which have become trendy on TikTok and Instagram. To stay competitive in 2025, Depop has simplified the selling process by removing traditional selling fees for users in the US and UK, while standard payment fees still apply. Sellers are advised to upload high-quality, attractive photos and use detailed tags to boost visibility through the app’s AI-driven curation system. Despite its popularity, the platform emphasizes safety and community support by offering tools like the Depop Safety Centre to protect users and ensure secure transactions. https://news.depop.com/company-news/depop-launches-new-safety-centre.

Now let’s talk to Catherine G., a teenager from Brooklyn, about Depop.

How often do you use Depop?
I visit the website daily to browse new items and check if any of mine have sold. I enjoy scrolling through to see the latest arrivals.

Do you buy and sell items? How do you find the prices?
Yes, for both aspects. I rely on Google Lens to determine fair prices for my items

What do you like most about Depop?
I appreciate that Depop aligns with my interests and features the fashion I find most appealing.

Do you also use Poshmark or other resale platforms?
No, I always discover what I like and need on Depop.

Any tips for new Depop users?
Yes, be cautious of scams, and if you have any doubts, always consult the Depop Safety Centre.

Do you feel that using Depop helps the environment?
Yes, because we can give items new life instead of letting them end up in landfills.

Catherine G. provided valuable insights into Depop. Teenagers like using Depop because it turns traditional thrifting into a social and entrepreneurial activity influenced by social media, fitting their values and style. Often likened to a combination of Instagram and eBay, it presents a visually appealing grid where users can like, comment, and follow their favorite curated shops. For a generation that values sustainability, Depop offers a responsible alternative to fast fashion, encouraging a “circular” economy and the hunt for unique Y2K or vintage pieces that match their style. Besides shopping, the app encourages teens to become small entrepreneurs by selling items from their bedrooms, with some top sellers earning enough for financial independence before college. Overall, Depop is a vibrant community where fashion acts as a means of self-expression and social activism. 

Thank you, Catherine G.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

2026 Thrift Store Price Trends: What Shoppers Should Know — December 6, 2025

2026 Thrift Store Price Trends: What Shoppers Should Know

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By 2026, thrift shopping is projected to see a notable price increase due to growing demand, inflation, rising operational costs, and the growing popularity of secondhand fashion. The U.S. market is expected to more than double, reaching approximately $82 billion, according to ThredUp. Although tariffs on new clothing and a focus on sustainability encourage more consumers to buy at thrift stores, these factors also contribute to higher prices.

Key factors driving up thrift store prices in 2026

• The popularity of thrifting has grown, driven by social media influencers and a stronger emphasis on sustainability among consumers. This rise in interest attracts more shoppers, intensifying competition for limited items and driving prices higher.


• Inflation and tariffs continue to drive up the cost of new clothing, prompting more consumers to turn to secondhand options. This surge in demand enables thrift stores to boost their Projections for 2025. Projections suggest that new clothing prices could increase by as much as 65%, making secondhand markets even more attractive.


• Rising Operational Costs: Thrift stores face growing expenses for rent, labor, and utilities. To cover these costs, they often increase their prices, a common practice even among non-profit thrift stores to fund community programs.


• The emergence of online resale platforms such as Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp has increased competition in the market. These platforms attract both buyers and sellers, motivating people to sell valuable or vintage items online rather than donate them. As a result, traditional stores receive fewer donations, which tend to be of lower quality. Consequently, these stores raise their prices on remaining inventory to stay competitive.


• Sophisticated Pricing Strategies: Modern thrift stores are moving away from simple, flat-rate pricing. Instead, they use market data to set prices based on an item’s brand, condition, and value. This method, influenced by the broader resale market, leads to higher prices for popular vintage and branded items.


• Vintage market valuation has risen as authentic vintage and trendy retro items become more sought after. Influenced by social media and influencers, these items are now valued higher because of their rarity. Thrift stores recognize this trend and price these items higher, which diminishes their reputation as bargains.

By 2026, thrift shopping is likely to become more of an adventure that requires planning. Discovering hidden gems may become more difficult, as some thrifters are already noticing increased prices and more competition for sought-after items. To succeed in this changing scene, consider visiting stores in affluent neighborhoods, timing your shopping around restock days, and focusing on classic, timeless pieces. As always, patience will be an essential asset!


Until next time, Happy Thrifting!