Thrift store shopping and reselling continues to trend upwards
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — In recent years, thrifting has become a global trend, and it only continues to grow. It's a way to save money and it's sustainable because it keeps clothes in use.
Most thrift stores have clothes, shoes, furniture, silverware, and jewelry, at a discounted price.
From 2021 to 2023, the value of the global secondhand apparel market rose from $138 to $211 billion and is expected to reach $351 billion by 2027, according to Earthday.org.
Wayne Calhoun shops at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store in Altoona. He collects just about any and everything that grabs his attention in a thrift store, specifically things from World War II.
'It's just something I've done probably all my life. I enjoy collecting things, and you can always find something different in the thrift stores. My father was a World War II combat veteran. I collect patches and trench hearts,' Calhoun said.
He's not the only one. Tammy and Thomas Hicks were also shopping at the Altoona thrift store. They've been to auctions and yard sales for years.
Tammy bought a blue colored vase and received a 30% discount as a senior. She said at another retailer, it would've cost more.
'Quite a bit more. We like to go to different sales, auctions, and I think because of the 30% discount, we got it at a good price. So very happy with that,' Tammy said.
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Thrifting isn't the only market that's grown in recent years. Reselling has surged too. Apps like Poshmark have risen in popularity and helped people earn money by selling what they already own.
'I was about 15 or 16 years old just selling some old sneakers, sweaters, things from my own closet that weren't really my style anymore. Things that didn't really fit my vibe,' Kaitlin Cribbs said.
Cribbs is the owner of Poshmark closet @killerklothing. She's a full-time event planner who also pursues Poshmark as a side hustle. She said it didn't take long for her reselling to become lucrative, using her closet, thrift stores, and even clothes that her family members planned on throwing out.
'I purchased my home only three months after graduating high school. It was an unbelievable feeling. I never thought I would be able to do it, but here I am today in my home, and Poshmark is still paying my mortgage. So it's pretty nice,' Cribbs said.
Cribbs said anyone can try reselling.
'Even if it's just some items from your own closet that you're looking to get rid of, just give it a try. You know, when you go to a mall and you buy a sweater for $40 and you wear it for a few years, it's not really your style anymore, you might as well get half of what you paid for it. Then you can buy something that fits you and your personality more,' she said.
By 2027, the value of the global secondhand apparel market is expected to reach $351 billion.
It's unlikely that thrifting will become a thing of the past. However, thrift stores like the St. Vincent de Paul Society need more donations to keep up with the trend.
They're also ensuring that those who rely on the donations get the clothes they need by offering voucher programs, which have special hours for participants.
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