2025-12-28T16:56:13-05:00

Why Gen Z Loves Depop for Secondhand Fashion!

December 28, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

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, 2025December 6, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/2 Comments

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!

Thrift Shopping: A Sustainable Way to Find Unique Holiday Gifts And Creative Ways To Wrap Them

November 23, 2025November 23, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Thrift shopping for holiday gifts has clear environmental, economic, and personal benefits, making it a sustainable and thoughtful alternative to traditional retail. It helps reduce waste, saves money, and adds the excitement of discovering unique items.

Economic Advantages:

Thrift shopping is a smart way to save money and reduce holiday expenses. It offers big savings since secondhand items are usually much cheaper than new ones, often including high-quality or designer pieces at great discounts. This helps you stretch your holiday budget further without sacrificing quality. Also, many thrift stores are run by charities or local groups, so your purchases support important community programs like homelessness support and domestic violence shelters. Plus, used items typically come with little or no packaging, which helps cut waste and can lower costs for buyers.

Unique & Thoughtful Gifts:

Beyond the tangible benefits, thrifting allows for a more personal and intentional approach to gift-giving.

Thrift stores offer a continually updated, varied selection of items, including vintage accessories, rare books, and retro decor. This makes it easy to find a distinctive gift that perfectly suits the recipient’s personality.
Meaningful Intentionality: Spending time and effort on a “treasure hunt” to find the ideal item can increase its emotional significance. A carefully selected secondhand gift can convey a special story, making it more meaningful than a quick purchase from an online retailer or a big-box store shelf.

Opting to thrift for holiday gifts benefits the environment, saves money, and shows greater thoughtfulness.

Now, try creative and eco-friendly ways to wrap those gifts. Use repurposed materials such as maps or newspapers, experiment with the Japanese fabric wrapping method (Furoshiki), or incorporate natural elements for decoration.

Repurposed Paper:

Instead of buying new, glossy wrapping paper that often cannot be recycled, you can use materials you likely already have around the house.

Old Maps/Calendars: Out-of-date road maps, topographical charts, or large calendar pictures add a unique, vintage feel. You can even match the map location to the gift or recipient’s interests (e.g., a marine chart for a boat-related gift).
Newspaper or magazine pages—whether black-and-white print, colorful magazine spreads, or even the comic section—can serve as charming and eco-friendly wrapping options.
Brown Paper Bags: Flattened paper grocery bags or kraft paper from shipping boxes serve as a simple canvas. Personalize it with doodles, stamps, or stencils for a unique touch.
Children’s Artwork: Wrapping a gift in your children’s paintings or drawings adds a deeply personal and artistic touch that family members often cherish as a keepsake.

Fabric Wrapping (Furoshiki):

The traditional Japanese art of Furoshiki uses fabric to wrap or transport goods, offering an elegant, reusable, and zero-waste option.

Scarves or Tea Towels: The fabric itself can be part of the gift. Use a vintage scarf, a festive tea towel, or a cloth napkin to wrap the item.
Fabric Scraps: Repurpose old t-shirts, worn-out bedding, or fabric remnants found at a thrift store.
Technique: No tape or scissors are needed; the fabric is secured using strategic folding and knotting techniques. This creates a beautiful, soft presentation that can be reused year after year.

Natural Embellishments & Containers:

Elevate the look of your gifts with natural, compostable additions and unique, reusable “containers”.

Natural Accents: Avoid plastic ribbons and bows. Instead, opt for natural materials like jute, twine, or raffia to secure the package. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, pinecones, dried citrus slices, or cinnamon sticks for a festive aroma and rustic charm.
Reusable Containers: For small or oddly shaped items, opt for a decorative tin from cookies or tea, a clean glass jar ideal for homemade treats, a small kit, or a durable thrifted basket. These containers can be part of the gift or serve as useful storage afterward.
Handmade Tags: Repurpose last year’s holiday cards by cutting them into new gift tags.

By utilizing these creative approaches, you can make your thrifted gifts look unique and intentional while significantly reducing holiday waste.

Environmental Sustainability:

Buying secondhand items helps reduce environmental damage caused by manufacturing new products, especially in sectors like fast fashion. Waste Reduction: Each thrifted item cuts down the need for new production. This lowers the millions of tons of textile and general waste that fill landfills each year. Resource Conservation: Making new products uses a lot of resources. For instance, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires over 700 gallons of water. This resource is saved when buying pre-owned items. Thrifting saves water, energy, and raw materials. Lower Carbon Footprint: The processes of creating and transporting new products are significant sources of global carbon emissions. Choosing secondhand can cut a product’s carbon footprint by up to 90%, since most energy-consuming steps are already done.

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Let’s continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

How Thrift Stores Support Families Facing Food Crisis

November 2, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Food insecurity in the U.S. is on the rise, now impacting 36% of households and leading to more instances of severe food insecurity. Major contributors include increasing inflation, stagnant wages, reductions or loss of SNAP benefits, and federal budget cuts affecting workers. Consequently, more families resort to buying cheaper food or skipping meals. Thrift stores play a vital role by supporting community food programs and offering affordable essentials to families in need.

Here are some of the many reasons to support your local thrift shop:

• Many non-profit thrift stores depend on income from selling donated items to fund local efforts such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal delivery programs. Every purchase or donation helps maintain these vital services.
• Thrift stores offer various affordable essentials such as clothing, furniture, and household items. This makes it easier for families on tight budgets to obtain necessary items they might otherwise miss, enabling them to use more resources for food.
• Numerous organizations supported by thrift stores offer emergency aid, such as food vouchers, to families in immediate need, ensuring they get assistance promptly.
• These shops act as community hubs providing volunteer opportunities and job training, particularly for those facing employment difficulties. They seek to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and food insecurity by strengthening community ties and opening pathways to stability.
• Supporting sustainability by shopping or donating to thrift stores decreases textile and other waste in landfills, contributing to a healthier environment. This emphasis on a circular economy advantages the whole community by combining social benefits with environmental responsibility.
• Thrift stores provide an affordable shopping alternative, enabling individuals and families to purchase items with dignity and choice instead of depending solely on handouts. Supporting local thrift shops addresses immediate needs and fosters lasting solutions, generating a ripple effect of positive change for families facing food insecurity and associated difficulties.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting, and let’s help others in our communities!

Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes: Thrift Store Tips

October 16, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Buying Halloween costumes from a thrift store provides a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to buying new, single-use outfits. Many packaged Halloween costumes are made from cheap synthetic materials, mainly plastics like polyester and nylon. Usually worn once and then thrown away, over 83% of these costumes are made from plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Their short usage period adds to the larger waste problem caused by fast fashion.

Here are some advantages of thrifting for your Halloween costume. You can save money because thrift stores sell clothing at much lower prices, letting you craft a great costume without overspending. Instead of paying $50 for a flimsy, packaged costume, you can find durable, high-quality items for a fraction of the cost. This is especially a smart choice for families with kids who quickly outgrow their costumes.

Unleash your creativity! While packaged costumes offer limited choices, a thrift store is a treasure trove of inspiration for creating unique and personalized outfits. Treasure hunting in thrift stores can be fun; you never know what might spark your next idea. Think creatively and combine unexpected items—like turning a vintage dress into a zombie prom queen or using a flannel shirt as part of a lumberjack or scarecrow costume.

Here are some ideas on thrifting a Halloween costume

Have a costume idea, but be open to unexpected finds that could lead to something even better.
Check the accessories, props, and toy sections for key finishing touches like hats, scarves, jewelry, and wigs.
Build a base with solid-colored shirts or pants and then add details.
Go with easy-to-create thrifted costumes like a scarecrow, a ‘70s disco star, a vampire, or a ghost.
Go thrifting with friends or family to make the experience more fun and creative.

Go green and cut waste. Buying secondhand gives a used item a second life and prevents it from ending up in a landfill. You also reduce your carbon footprint by lowering the demand for new production, which consumes a lot of energy and water. Thrifting supports the “circular economy” by keeping clothing in use longer. A thrifted costume is a guilt-free way to enjoy the holiday. It’s a chance to celebrate with a unique, budget-friendly, and earth-conscious outfit, making Halloween less scary for your wallet and the planet.

Let’s reduce, reuse, and recycle. Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Why Rummage Sales Are Great For Affordable And Sustainable Shopping

September 26, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I love rummage sales. One of my favorite bags was bought at a local rummage sale—a vintage Coach crossbody I found for only $20. It quickly became one of my top favorites, especially since it was perfect for days when I didn’t need to carry much. The bag had just enough character without being too worn. This demonstrates why rummage sales are excellent sources for rare, vintage, and collectible items that are hard to find in regular stores.

Rummage sales are great for a variety of reasons. If you’re creative, you can find furniture, clothing, and other items that need repair or a creative update. With some imagination, you can turn these pieces into stylish additions for your home or wardrobe. One benefit of a rummage sale is that prices are often lower than in typical thrift stores because organizers aim to sell as much as possible. This also means you might find even better deals later in the day, and some sales offer a fill-a-bag deal for a small fee at the end of the event.

Rummage sales are becoming more critical in communities facing clothing insecurity. They offer affordable clothing, usually at much lower prices than department stores. Many of these events also serve as fundraisers for local charities, community programs, or schools, with the proceeds going directly to benefit the community. Attending these sales provides an opportunity to meet neighbors and build stronger community connections. Visiting rummage sales can be an enjoyable way to spend a weekend.

Rummage sales offer an eco-friendly and practical alternative to fast fashion shopping. The fast fashion industry causes problems like waste accumulation, resource depletion, unfair labor practices, and pollution. Buying from rummage sales, thrift stores, estate sales, or garage sales decreases landfill waste by giving clothing a second purpose. These types of secondhand shopping extend the life of garments, save resources, and support sustainability. By reusing and recycling items, you take part in a system that conserves natural resources and minimizes environmental impact.

Look for local rummage sales in newspapers, Facebook groups, Craigslist, and similar platforms. My top tip: arrive early to access the best selection of quality items. Though they might cost more, these items sell quickly and are often priced below market value.

For valuable insights from top resources on thrift shopping and sustainability, visit my Facebook page, ToniOnThrifting. Let’s prioritize reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Affordable Thrift Stores: Newport, Rhode Island’s Best Deals

September 13, 2025September 13, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When I hit the “thrifting trail” on Broadway in Newport, Rhode Island, I had high hopes. But the experience far surpassed my expectations when it came to variety, prices, and quality. I found thrift shops with everything from vintage clothing to the latest styles. The vintage shops had amazing, varied selections. And the consignment shops were packed with reasonably priced, high-quality clothes. What impressed me the most, though, was the pricing. Given Newport’s incredible popularity as a summer getaway, I figured prices would be sky-high. But they were surprisingly reasonable, making for an all-around wonderful experience.

St. Paul’s Thrift Shop
326 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island
401.847.844

St. Paul’s Thrift Shop has a fantastic selection of clothing, housewares, furniture, books, and more for both men and women. I was impressed with the quality and variety of items throughout the shop. The brand-name tops offered excellent value for money. Prices ranged from $7 to $10 and above. This is a fair price considering the current high prices in most thrift shops nationwide. The pricing is more than fair for pants, skirts, dresses, shoes, and other items. What really caught my eye was the fantastic range of solid, well-made furniture. This furniture is hard to find these days. It always gets snapped up when I’m thrifting. The store is well-organized, spacious, and has great displays. It was a pleasure browsing through the racks. What I love most about St. Paul’s Thrift Shop is the friendly staff. They do an excellent job. All proceeds go towards supporting the McKinney Homeless Shelter. Excellent!

Newport Thrift & Gift
30 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island

Check out this charming shop for a great variety of one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories, women’s clothing, shoes, and books. The jewelry and accessory section alone is worth a stop. I’m sure you’ll discover unique pieces that grab your attention!

Closet Revival
30 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island

What a great secondhand/consignment shop! This shop is so well curated and has such a good vibe. The prices are on point for consignment and vintage. There were still quite a few great buys when browsing the racks. The staff seemed incredibly friendly and helpful, and when you did ask for help, they were present and knowledgeable. The windows are fabulous here. If you are on the Newport thrift trail, this is a must-stop.

VS Vintage Newport
174 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island

I liked this shop because they have a unique and stylish vintage decor. It was well curated, and the choices were outstanding. Additionally, I thought there were some gorgeous jewelry pieces for sale. They have different price points, so you should find something you like. VS Vintage is like shopping at the best estate sales you have ever seen. So many things catch your eye. You must refrain from buying too much. Remember that when purchasing high-quality vintage, the price reflects the quality and condition of the pieces.

Respoke
6 Bowens Warf
Newport, Rhode Island

This great shop, Respoke, also reimagines vintage scarves and creates one-of-a-kind slides. I found this to be quite unique and impressive.

I hope you enjoyed my Newport thrifting experience.

Until next Time, Happy Thrifting!

Discover the Charm of Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique in Danbury, CT

July 29, 2025July 30, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique, located in the First Congregational Church of Danbury, has reopened as a boutique-style thrift shop and looks gorgeous. It is so well curated and arranged, has a boutique atmosphere, and functions perfectly. Even the light fixtures give it a distinctive new look. Sustainable Jungle named Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique among Connecticut’s 11 best thrift stores. Sustainable Jungle is a website dedicated to sustainability ideas, tips, tricks, products, brands, and stories about people and organizations living meaningfully to help the planet.

It was so enjoyable to walk around and explore this new space. They had a boutique section with an impressive high-end selection when I visited. I loved the home section — so many options for decor, housewares, and bedding. The game section was large. The book section is excellent. They also have a small kids’ section with some great outfits.

The shoe section was fantastic, and they have a great selection of evening shoes (and dresses) if you have any weddings, engagements, or special nights coming up. Their accessory section was lovely.

Everything is displayed clearly, and the shop is so spacious that you enjoy the shopping experience. The staff is extremely friendly and always eager to help. The prices are typical for what thrift stores now charge and are much cheaper than buying new. If your motto is reduce, reuse, and recycle, this is the way to shop.

Their weekly newsletter will notify you about sales events and everything related to Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique. As a thank you for subscribing, they will send you a $5 coupon for your first or next visit.

If you are in Danbury, it is worth a trip. All proceeds help the mission of the
Church.

Deer Hill Thrift Shoppe & Boutique
164 Deer Hill Ave
Danbury, CT 06810
Friday & Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

How to Donate Clothes with Purpose

May 19, 2025May 19, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

We have all had those bags, boxes, or items in our house or the back of our car, which we keep forgetting to donate. Eventually, they arrive, but what happens to the donated clothing or textiles after you drop them off can be alarming. According to Earth.com, approximately 92 tons of global textile waste are generated yearly, which is expected to double by 2030. The most important thing we can do is donate mindfully so that most of our donations DO NOT end up in landfills and significantly harm the environment. Better recycling practices help us help the environment. Reduce, reuse, and recycle are the keys to my life. Here are some of my tips and ideas for mindfully donating your clothes and other items, with purpose and sustainability in mind.

Let us start with the donation itself. First, please ensure that the clothes are clean and in the condition you would want if you purchased the same item. They should be free of stains and tears. This is the best way to ensure your items are resold or donated to someone in need. Additionally, donating seasonal clothes at the beginning of a season is beneficial to ensure they are immediately usable. If an item is household, please ensure it is not broken, usable, and void of cracks and chips (also making it an unsafe donation).

The following is imperative and will significantly reduce waste. Check with the donation center or thrift shop to get a clear picture of what is and is not accepted. When you drop off something a shop does not take, it ends up in the garbage and eventually a landfill. That is precisely what we do not want to happen. Additionally, the staff at thrift shops cannot emphasize enough how detrimental it is when donations are dropped off when a shop is closed, especially in inclement weather, as the donations become unusable and end up as garbage. Visit during the shop’s operating hours. Remember, volunteers run those small, independent thrift shops, and why waste precious volunteer time sorting and discarding what could have been usable donations? Of course, there is always Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

I have donated board games along with books to my local library. For books, there are Little Free Libraries across the country where you can both give and take a book. One just opened this week near me, and it’s such a great idea for our local community. Here is the link https://littlefreelibrary.org/. There is the Buy Nothing Project on Facebook, which so many local communities are involved in for many items. I have found this to be an excellent resource for giving away items I no longer use and receiving items I would not have to buy, as someone may be giving them away. I have given away everything, from food and clothing to décor and toiletries, and received the same in return. It is an excellent way to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who want to repurpose items they are no longer using or need.

I donate gently used business clothing to the Bottomless Closet in New York City, where they help disadvantaged women acquire the tools and resources they need to re-enter the workforce and achieve their career goals. Organizations like the Bottomless Closet, Dress for Success, and many others help individuals re-enter the workforce and may need business clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. You can also check your local house of worship to see if they are hosting a tag sale or rummage sale, or if they have families in need. Check your local homeless shelter to see what donations are most needed. They may also take household items for people transitioning into permanent housing. That would be great for the kitchen, bedding, and many other items you would like to have a second life with.

Some retailers, such as Eileen Fish, offer buy-back services for their products. Madewell Forever takes all types of clothing by mail, and DSW takes all kinds of shoes—check their website for details. Trashie’s Take Back Bag recycling program is user-friendly. You can purchase bags, fill them, and earn points in rewards for gift cards. Their goal is to redistribute or recycle your items in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. The website provides valuable information about their activities.

I am trying to buy fewer items and only purchase quality products so that they last longer. Additionally, I strive to stay as far away from fast fashion as possible. Additionally, I try to repair and repurpose. Do you have items that require minor repairs to make them wearable again, especially for high-quality items? An inexpensive sewing kit and numerous YouTube videos (for the tricky repairs) can help you with this. Perhaps it just needs a good ironing or steaming — that could be all it needs to breathe new life into a piece of clothing. Do not throw out old sheets and blankets – check with your local animal shelter to see what they could use, and donate those items to help animals in need.

How we donate can positively impact the environment, especially in our local communities. If we donate mindfully, we play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of items no longer needed, and we can help save this beautiful planet for future generations.

I hope that you find this information helpful.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

How Thrift Shopping is Changing in 2025

May 4, 2025May 19, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/1 Comment

According to the Thred Up 2024 Annual Report, two-fifths of the clothing items purchased were secondhand. The report also states that 55% of consumers say that if the economy doesn’t improve, they’ll spend more of their apparel budget on secondhand, and 60% say shopping for secondhand apparel gives them the most bang for their buck.

I have seen this increase in the number of people shopping in the thrift stores I visit; prices are starting to increase in some stores. Some thrift store managers state that more resellers than ever are shopping to increase their inventory; quite a few thrift stores are now checking Poshmark and eBay to see what their items are worth and adjusting their pricing. The demand for second-hand clothing is increasing dramatically every year. I know of one thrift store that has adjusted its pricing by charging Poshmark prices. Rummage sales and thrift stores have special sections with new items with tags and designer merchandise. It is a sign of this new thrifting era.

With this many people shopping secondhand, it is harder to find the bargains of yesteryear, but don’t despair. There are still plenty of bargains out there; it just takes a world of patience now. I love local rummage sales, especially when the money goes back into the community (The same for smaller independent stores, where the money goes right back into the community). Rummage sales are gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. I recently went to a rummage sale in Westchester County that started at 9 am. I got there at 8:30 am to get in line, and there were 64 people ahead of me. That was unheard of just a few years ago. The good news is that most rummage sales have fixed pricing on clothing and shoes. Fixed pricing usually does not include high-end merchandise, but if it does, jackpot! Patience and a good eye will always be the key to excellent thrift shopping scores.

Thrift store shoppers save approximately $1,760 each year by making purchases secondhand. Approximately one-third of clothing and apparel items purchased in the U.S. over the past year were secondhand. In 2023, the U.S. secondhand market generated an estimated $53 billion in revenue. Resellers are also taking advantage of the booming thrifting business. For some, it is a full-time business; for others, it is a way to make ends meet.

I still love the thrill of the hunt when thrift shopping and seeing so many people that I have become friendly with on the thrifting circuit. So go out there and REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE, and most of all, enjoy finding those great bargains that we all love to brag about and show off. There are still plenty of bargains out there. So keep thrifting!

Please check out my Facebook page for local sales!

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

ToniOnThrifting