Latest news with #secondhandfashion
Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
‘I wore an £8.50 dress to meet the King'
Every day, Caroline Jones, 56, puts together a different 'pre-loved' outfit, then uploads it to her Instagram feed (@knickers_models_own), to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The only garment she's purchased new is her underwear. Her year-long commitment to secondhand fashion extended to her outfit for an audience with the King and Queen at a Buckingham Palace reception earlier this year, in recognition of her fundraising. She chose a fluted high-neck dress by French label Senes Paris, which she found at her local Cancer Research UK shop in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. 'I think I was the only person in the Palace wearing an £8.50 dress,' she says. 'It was very special to be there, dressed head-to-toe in secondhand, and it was easy for me to style with strands of pearls and a vintage clutch.' It was, she adds, moving to meet the King, who is going through his own cancer treatment. 'The curtsy worked, the drink didn't spill, the clutch stayed in place and we had a little chat.' All of this is in memory of her mother, Mary Benson, who died 11 years ago, aged 72, from breast cancer. The pair had been inseparable, and bonded over a love of fashion. 'I spent every Saturday with my mum. She was my shopping companion and I really valued her thoughts on what I was wearing,' Jones remembers. A long-time volunteer at their local Cancer Research UK shop, Benson had a magpie's eye for a stylish bargain and would lay items aside for her daughter. 'When she started chemo a year before she died, she said: 'Could you cover my shift?' Which was code, really, and it was a lovely gesture. So I started doing their window displays.' Now, Jones, who works for a design agency, drops into the shop once a week to collect her finds. During the course of her year, she's worn designer labels (Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Jimmy Choo) as well as high-street brands FatFace and Clockhouse, bought or borrowed from charity shops. For real success when buying secondhand, she believes you need to browse a bricks-and-mortar shop, touch the fabric, and try it on. Once she's worn an outfit and posted the photo – sometimes as late as midnight – it goes back on sale. 'I have a 'Knickers Model's Own' rail in the shop. The jumpsuit I'm wearing today will be there tomorrow.' Sometimes, she'll 'twist in' her own clothes and jewellery – an Alex Monroe Galleon necklace, Fred Perry's Laurel earrings, or her mum's jewellery. This is the second time Jones has done a campaign on social media, documenting a year of wearing thrift shop bargains. She first did the campaign in January 2015, two months after her mother died. At the time, she was poleaxed by grief. 'I was at a new year's party when I felt a real need to go home. In the space of an hour, I'd come up with the name and set up a JustGiving page with a target of £1,000.' By day six, her campaign was on the BBC website. 'So there was no going back. I don't think I really coped with being in the limelight, mixed with the dreadful grief. I had three children at primary school. But Knickers Model's Own was this portal for losing myself creatively. Today, I am incredibly proud of it, but I remember every single emotion through those pictures. 'I'd never posed in front of a camera. If you look at the early pictures, I hid behind my hair or wore sunglasses. I didn't know how to stand, how to take a good angle.' As time went on, she learnt to put her stamp on each look, experimenting with accessories and bold colour. 'I had my hair cut into a very stylised Purdey cut. By the end, I was a different person.' It taught her to be visible.'When you stand properly and carry yourself well, you immediately look younger and slimmer and your clothes hang better.' A lot has happened in the past decade. She has raised more than £70,000 and published a book, Knickers Model's Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion (with an introduction by designer Henry Holland), the cover of which was shot by Rankin. She's also done styling work for Marks & Spencer and Oxfam. This time around, there are different challenges. 'My body shape has changed, so I've had to learn to work around that and find clothes that fit me differently. But I'm holding up a banner, going: 'Don't pigeonhole me. Don't think, because I'm menopausal, that's the end of it.' The clothes I'm wearing are definitely my armour.' She passionately believes that we shouldn't get stuck in a style rut. 'I like being a little bit edgy and pushing the envelope. Which is absolutely something I wouldn't have done in my 30s. Back then, I was a pleaser... It's all about styling things really well. And it's very freeing no longer feeling dictated to.' Her mother was first diagnosed at the age of 57. 'I'm 57 in August, so I'm acutely aware of how breast cancer changed her life. Mum would have loved the fact I'm doing the campaign again. If I hadn't lost her, I wouldn't have done any of this. But I kept hearing her saying: 'You can do this. You'll be fine.'' She is posting her 2025 pictures alongside the corresponding 2015 images, and admits it's challenging to look back – the skirts were shorter, the youthful glow came a little more easily. But actually she likes herself more. And is proud of her style. 'If I could meet my 46-year-old self, I'd tell her she didn't need to be so self-critical. Often, I'd think: 'Who am I to be standing around in skinny jeans, showing a bit of arm? What will people think?' But I don't have that feeling at all now. What I do every day is tell myself I look lovely.' Caroline's advice for shopping secondhand in midlife Don't be afraid to clash Choose a base colour and build up from there. The foundation of your outfit can be quite simple, but it's the twist you give it. Yesterday, I wore hot pink, bright red and green. And I'll always have an accent going on, whether it's gold jewellery or acid yellow eye shadow or a red lip. I also love a triple floral – dress, bag, earrings. If the dress print is quite ditzy, go for a bigger floral print on the accessories. I'm not trying to be way-out-there. I'm trying to balance everything I'm wearing, or bring a different accent through. Accessorise, accessorise I spend 70 per cent of my time thinking about my jewellery and accessories. I'll layer chunky necklaces with a refined Alex Monroe chain, or a Pucci-esque silk scarf. Nothing beats a good, strong yellow bangle on days where you don't feel at your most confident. Get the underwear right Wearing pre-loved clothes, you need to get the underpinnings right! Get measured properly for your bra. Knickers need to be comfortable and give good coverage. I love a boy short and I also do love pants with light control, e.g. M&S Control Thigh Slimmers, because they zap VPL and double up as anti-chafers. I want to know I've got a nice line and let my clothes do the talking. I also really love a slip. Everything hangs better because modern clothes are rarely lined. I wear a Cool Comfort slip from Marks & Spencer in taupe. Avoid bodies, they're the devil. But definitely spend some time on your underwear. It's something we should all be doing. It makes you feel really good. Don't get hung up on sizing I never look at sizes in charity shops. It's all about whether something is well-cut, and how you look in it. I try on anything, because it's more freeing, from a men's 17in collar shirt (I'll wear it loose, or with a tie) to a maternity dress. This week, I wore a flowery, vintage-inspired Clary and Peg dress, accessorised with earthy bangles. When I tried it on, I'd no idea it was a maternity dress, but on Instagram I had so many people saying: 'Where do I buy that?' Go for bold colour I never wear black on Instagram through choice. I might wear a black shoe or tight but you won't see black around my face. It doesn't give me pleasure. I use navy blues and greys and earth tones as a base and layer on with brighter colours. Hosiery is my happy place I'm missing it at the moment, but autumn will come around again. Falke tights are superb. They stay up because they have extra fabric. Heist Studios is another great brand. I always apply moisturiser to my legs and hands before putting them on so my nails don't snag. Ankle socks are not just for teenagers. I absolutely love playing with a flash of an ankle sock colour that you can theme with your eye shadow or a bangle, even if you're just wearing jeans and a men's shirt. A pair of Bella Freud socks really says something. I've also got some great souvenir socks from Paris that cost nothing and I love a fishnet pop sock. They remind me that I'm 56 and I have permission to play with colour and messaging. Be playful I'll wear a Snoopy T-shirt sometimes. Or a bow-tie. Or a tiara or a pillbox hat. And you can't go wrong with a good cape. Though keep the lines underneath the cape simple and neat. Charity shops are the go-to place for fancy dress. Remind yourself, it's just a fun moment, and it's all going to come off at the end of the night. Embrace the skirt I'm a big fan of skirts. I know a lot of women won't even go and look at the skirt rail because they're fearful that if they show their waist it will make their hips look bigger. But it's all about the drape of the fabric, getting the proportions right, and drawing the eye somewhere else. If I'm wearing a gathered skirt with a tucked-in top, you'll see a lot of busyness much higher up. You'll be distracted by my great necklace, strong lip, big earrings or bangles in pops of colour. Layering is your friend It's the secret weapon in your fashion toolbox. Because I'm menopausal I like to wear lots of light layers. I wear a silky pussy-bow blouse with lovely billowy sleeves all year round, maybe on its own or with a T-shirt over it (fantastic for keeping everything neat on top). It covers your neck area nicely and draws the eye up. And then I can wear a wider gathered skirt or wide trousers with it. It's all about proportions At 50-plus, a bias-cut dress is unflattering if you have curves. I'm a 36DD with broad shoulders, so a shoestring strap or a halter neck can look horrific on me. I like a nice wide strap, a cap sleeve or a boat neck. The boat-neck striped Breton top is a classic. There really is a pair of jeans for you I'll be wearing denim into my 90s. To get the fit right, you need to measure the zip length with your hand. I need a really long zip – at least the length of my hand. I'll wear stonewashed jeans, or double denim. I found some amazing dark, wide-leg button-fly Levi 501 '54s – they're such a good cut. But if I wear frayed-edge jeans, I add tailoring, such as a vintage 1990s Marks & Spencer blazer or a Liberty blouse and tie, so it doesn't look too obvious.
South China Morning Post
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- South China Morning Post
Best places to shop second-hand clothes in Hong Kong from an avid buyer of preloved wear
Hongkonger Dianne Gupta has a laser-sharp sixth sense as she wanders around Mee & Gee, one of her favourite second-hand clothes shops, in Kowloon's Mong Kok district. Advertisement Dressed in one of her favourite preloved outfits, the 28-year-old scans the racks with lightning speed. 'Some people walk into second-hand shops and feel overwhelmed, but for me it is like a treasure hunt,' she says. It does not take long before something catches her eye: a retro-style dress covered in bright yellow stars. She gives the fabric a feel to test its quality – something she does with every potential purchase – and checks the seams to make sure there is room to move. Advertisement 'It's also a good idea to check the zips and buttons.' The dress passes the test, and at HK$40 (US$5.10), it is a bargain.
The Guardian
08-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
From beeswax to baby wipes: how to make your leather last a lifetime
Strong, beautiful and, if well looked after, endlessly long-lasting: leather has long been a staple of many of our wardrobes. And while there are ethical and environmental reasons to consider not buying new leather, the leather items you already own (or buy secondhand) could well outlast you, so it's important to look after them properly. So, how do you make sure your favourite items – from a handbag to a beloved jacket – last so that you can pass them down the generations? The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I spoke to experts to gather their tips and tricks for how best to clean, preserve and repair leather items, so that they keep being useful, and beautiful, for as long as possible. There are four main grades of leather. The highest are full grain and top grain, used for products such as designer handbags. Split leather is more affordable and made from a lower layer of the hide; depending on the way it has been finished, it can be smooth or soft to the touch. Split leather is generally less durable than the higher grades, but it's used for everything from shoes to clothing to upholstery. Bonded leather is essentially a composite material that contains leather fibres, and is cheaper and less durable still. The higher the grade, the longer the leather should last, says Antony Frith, owner of Shoe Healer, traditional cobblers in Doncaster. But you don't need different products or methods to look after the different kinds: 'As a rule, we treat them all the same,' he says. That may be true for most smooth leathers, but textured materials such as suede and nubuck, unusual leathers such as buffalo hide and those with special finishes need a different approach. If you're not sure what kind you're dealing with, take it to a local cobbler for advice. To remove everyday grime from smooth leather, use baby wipes, says Roque Furtado at JT Batchelor, a specialist leather supplier in London. Gently brush off any dry dust or dirt, then wipe over the leather, without scrubbing or rubbing too hard. If the grime is ingrained and that doesn't do the job, the next step is saddle soap, which comes as a bar, paste or spray. 'The spray is generally easiest to use,' Furtado says. JT Batchelor sells US brand Fiebing's, but there are plenty of others available (try Decathlon). Again, brush off dry dirt, then, using a damp cloth, work up a lather with the soap and rub gently over the leather. Rinse the cloth and wipe away any remaining foam. For textured materials such as suede and nubuck, some (including Nike) recommend white vinegar. Put a little vinegar (you can dilute and use half water and half vinegar, if you prefer) on to a lint-free cloth and clean the area gently. Or brush with a suede brush and use a dedicated suede cleaning product. For patent finishes, just use a soft, damp cloth. 'You don't need to buy the products made by the brand selling you the bag or shoes,' says Dai Rees, designer and programme director for craft at the London College of Fashion. 'It will be the same compounds and materials as any other.' Hermès, for example, sells its own glycerine soap bar for leather for £40, while Lincoln Horse Care sells a similar bar for £6.99. Whatever product you use, always test it on a small inconspicuous area first, to check it doesn't alter the finish or affect the colour, and let it dry completely before using it on the rest of the item. How often you should clean your shoes depends on how frequently you wear them, and whether you're traipsing across muddy fields or hopping in and out of Ubers in them. But keeping the leather clean, nourished and in good condition should help them last longer. Aqua Wipes biodegradable plastic-free baby wipes £1.90 for a pack of 56 at Boots£5 for 12 packs of 12 at Amazon Tesco distilled vinegar 35p for 568ml at Tesco Lint-free cleaning cloths £3.99 for five at B&Q Solid glycerine soap for shoes and leather £3.99 for 150ml at Decathlon The Scratch Doctor suede and nubuck cleaner and brush £13.95 at B&Q£13.95 at Amazon What if you get a red wine stain on a cream bag or tomato sauce on a suede jacket? Your chances of getting it out depend somewhat on the kind of leather you have. Leather is generally processed in one of two ways: vegetable tanning or chrome tanning. Chrome creates a resistant surface, while vegetable methods, favoured by high-end and sustainable brands, leave the grain of the leather more open. 'Leather that has been vegetable tanned tends to have a more natural look, with a more open grain. It weathers beautifully, but it is more susceptible to moisture or marks. Chrome tanned leather tends to be smoother to the touch,' says Frith. When red wine splashes on to a chrome-tanned bag, 'it may repel the liquid', he says. But with vegetable tanned or older leather where the grain has opened up, it's likely to stain. That said, you might still be able to save it. First, use saddle soap, then let it dry completely. 'Then you have to recolour it, and the best way to do that is with a spray dye that resurfaces the leather,' Frith says. He recommends Saphir's Tenax leather dye or Magix for smooth leather, while Saphir's Renovétine protects and revives suede and nubuck. There are no guarantees, of course, and as ever, you should test on a small section that can't be seen first. If in doubt, ask a local cobbler or professional cleaner for advice on the best approach. Saphir Tenax leather dye spray £15.95 for 150ml at eBay Magix leather dye spray £9.99 for 180ml at eBay Saphir Renovétine suede reviver spray £16.95 for 200ml at eBay£10.72 for 200ml at Amazon 'Treat leather as the skin it is,' says Sarah Spicer, shoemaker at Green Shoes in Devon. 'It needs to be conditioned and moisturised.' For smooth leather, Frith says, 'the number one rule is that hard polish is no good. You've got to use a cream. If you leave a tin of shoe polish out, it will soon dry up and crack. And it will do the same thing to your shoes or bag. Cream nourishes.' Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Frith recommends Saphir, but there are plenty of other creams on the market. To use it, remove any dirt and make sure the shoes are dry, then apply using a soft cloth in circular motions. Rees, meanwhile, suggests using a soft cloth to apply beeswax (like this one), and Furtado recommends Chelsea Dubbin Leather Food, which has been made since the late 19th century. Apply with a soft cloth and leave overnight to sink in. Some experts recommend applying products like these whenever you clean your shoes, or once every four to six weeks. But don't overdo it, says Spicer. 'You can tell when things have been overconditioned because they feel greasy. You can be sparing.' For nubuck and suede, Furtado says a spray-on waterproofer is all you should use. Tesco and John Lewis stock Cherry Blossom shoe protector to stave off rain damage. Frith says nano sprays are 'superb'. These (such as Crep Protect) form a protective layer against moisture and oils – and might protect against stains, too. Follow the instructions on the packaging to find out how often you should spray them, as this varies. 'We sell some that recommend you spray every three to four weeks, and others that say every six months,' Frith says. If you get caught in the rain, don't dry leather by the radiator and don't use a hairdryer. Let it dry naturally, then treat it again with the right protective product. Saphir Crème Surfine shoe cream £9.75 for 50ml at eBay£9.20 for 50ml at Amazon Beeswax leather balsam £10.95 for 250ml at eBay Cherry Blossom Eco Ultra Repel £5.95 for 100ml at John Lewis Crep Protect £12 at Schuh£12 at JD Sports The Handbag Clinic leather care kit £19.99 at Amazon Always store leather items in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight, says Edyta Knapinska, handbag buyer at John Lewis, as it will prolong their life. Stow handbags in your wardrobe or a cupboard, inside a protective dust bag if you can. Sometimes these are thrown in when you buy a bag. If not, you can buy them (such as these ones made by Hayden Hill) to keep bags clean and dust-free. Dunelm and Ikea have a range of shoe cabinets. Sunlight is particularly damaging when leather is vegetable tanned, as it will literally tan. 'If you keep one shoe in the sun and the other in the shade, the one in the sun will end up darker.' A boot-shaper will help avoid creases and strain on the zip from being folded, while some people swear by shoe trees for looking after favourite shoes, particularly those only worn occasionally. Frith says cedar is the best wood for these – it absorbs moisture and keeps them fresh. When storing leather jackets, Frith says: 'Leather is heavy and if you hang it from one point, it will sag and lose its shape. So use a sturdy hanger, not a coat hook.' Look for broad, rounded ends to keep the shoulders in shape, like on this one from John Lewis. For long-term storage of leather jackets, Frith recommends first airing well (that can be outside, or anywhere air circulates, just not in a wardrobe), then hanging the jacket in a zip-up polythene garment bag. 'Leather takes in moisture from the air and even from our bodies when we use it every day. But when you put these things away for a long time, the leather can dry out,' he says. 'A polythene zip-up bag, like those you get from the dry cleaners, or even just a big polythene bag, will control the airflow. It won't be completely airtight, but it will keep some moisture in and protect the leather from drying out.' Eloise sliding shoe storage cabinet £63.20 at Dunelm Dasco boot shaper £18.50 at Charles Clinkard Suit hanger £8 at John Lewis Moth-proof garment bag £12.22 at Amazon Secondhand leather often has a wonderful patina and lived-in quality. But vintage leather can need a bit of love to bring it back to life. Charity shops and online stores such as Vinted and Vestiaire Collective are great hunting grounds for preloved leather jackets, bags and shoes, but check that a piece is not beyond repair before you buy, says Frith. 'It's much harder to restore and renovate old, worn or damaged leather than it is to take care of leather that is still in good shape,' he says. 'Where possible, check for signs of dryness or cracking. The leather on a briefcase or secondhand handbag might have survived well, but the cotton stitching could be deteriorating. So, when you're buying anything at all, it's good to stress test the leather and the stitching. Because you might find one day it just falls apart.' Pull and manipulate seams and any areas that look a bit tired, to make sure there are no signs of disintegration. For online purchases, where you can't hold the item in your hands, ask sellers to provide closeup photos of the areas that are most prone to cracking or strain – seams, straps or handles, zips and creases. If you decide to buy, look after the item well and you'll be able to enjoy it for a long time to come. Sandra Haurant is a journalist who has been writing for the Guardian for more than two decades. One of her favourite things is speaking to experts with a real passion for what they do, and pouring their knowledge into articles. Another of her favourite things is her dog, who has long hoped she will pitch a piece on pet spas
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Vinnies brings the thrill of op-shopping online
If you love op-shopping for one-of-a-kind gems, the thrill of the hunt just got a whole lot easier. Starting from the 29th of May, the St Vincent de Paul Society of New South Wales has officially launched Vinnies Finds — a new online platform offering a handpicked selection of second-hand fashion, all available at the click of a button.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rising Prices, Falling Confidence: Secondhand Retail Steps Up
The introduction of unpredictable tariff policies, especially targeting goods from China, during President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office has created significant uncertainty in the global supply chain. CNBC and SurveyMonkey's Small Business Confidence Index for the second quarter found that 70 percent of small businesses believe the U.S. is heading toward a recession. The trade war has driven some brands to increase their prices and others to pause their orders for the next season until there's more clarity. Many others are planning mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, the consumer confidence index dropped 7.9 points to 86.0 in April, the lowest reading since May 2020. More from Sourcing Journal MySize Bets On Fashion Resale With Percentil Acquisition Up Close: In Conversation with Archive Co-founder and CEO Emily Gittins ThredUp Launches Vintage Popup with Beyond Retro For apparel, conversations about shopping secondhand are growing as consumers begin to revisit the savings hacks that helped their wallets during the height of the pandemic and the Great Recession. 'Secondhand is tariff-free, local and sustainable. It's going to be an even better option than ever moving forward,' said Aarian Frye, marketing coordinator at Buffalo Exchange. ThredUp, one of the world's largest online resale platforms for apparel, shoes and accessories, is convinced of secondhand fashion's impact in the future. Last week the company announced it would be removing branded resale fees and introducing a suite of enhanced services to its Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) partners. RaaS powers resale shops and clean put programs for brands and retailers like Madewell, Reformation and Abercrombie, helping them deliver customizable, scalable experiences to consumers. By making RaaS technology and infrastructure open source, ThredUp aims to enable more brands to build impactful circular programs. During the company's Q1 2025 earnings call, ThredUp co-founder and CEO James Reinhart said that if tariffs drive increases in new apparel prices, it may enhance the comparative value proposition for consumers who shop for used clothing on ThredUp. While it's too early to attribute any short-term changes to specific economic factors, David Eagles, chief operating officer for Goodwill Industries International, is closely monitoring the performance of the U.S. nonprofit's retail arm. However, if prices rise, he said the value proposition of secondhand becomes even more compelling and Goodwill becomes even more essential to the communities it serves. 'Economic uncertainty often drives more people to seek value and durability, which aligns with Goodwill's strengths. Over the last year, we have seen consumers make more intentional choices—stretching their dollars while supporting local job creation and environmental impact,' Eagles said. 'Tariffs won't affect secondhand directly, but as the cost of living goes up as a result and as clothing prices increase, we expect more people to turn towards secondhand shops like Buffalo Exchange to sell their closet cleanout and to find the styles and deals they were used to pre-tariffs,' Frye said. The Tucson, Ariz.-based company follows a circular business model, sourcing its secondhand merchandise directly from consumers for more than 40 stores in the U.S. 'Because we're already such a budget-friendly option, we haven't seen any noticeable shifts in consumer spending yet, but we'll be interested to see what happens over the next few months,' Frye said. In general, Buffalo Exchange's business does well during economic downturns, as affordability becomes a higher priority for most consumers. The retailer anticipates increased demand for secondhand high-end luxury shoes, handbags and accessories. 'Many consumers are paring down excess clothing purchases in favor of capsule wardrobes, and by investing in secondhand designer accessories, they can still participate in current trends and experiment with their personal style without overspending,' Frye said. When it comes to the price of secondhand fashion, the law of supply and demand does not apply to Goodwill. Eagles said Goodwill's pricing remains grounded in 'community affordability.' 'While we monitor trends, our goal is not to capitalize on price shifts but to ensure access to quality goods and continue funding our mission services. We balance fair pricing with the responsibility of stewarding the donated goods our community provides,' he said. Frye doesn't anticipate any changes to Buffalo Exchange's 'buy, sell, trade' strategy. Trained buyers at each store pay sellers 25 percent of the selling price in cash or 50 percent of the selling price in store credit for items they purchase. 'We haven't adjusted our pricing strategy at all—we pay customers for their clothes, so we want to make sure both sellers and shoppers equally benefit from the prices we set,' Frye said. 'There are plenty of resale options out there for those looking to sell and others looking to purchase, but Buffalo Exchange offers an unbeatable combination of convenience and value.' Goodwill's stores offer both affordability and purpose, and none of that is possible without donors who see their used goods as doing good for others, Eagles said. 'We see increased interest in secondhand shopping as an opportunity to meet rising demand while staying true to our mission—providing affordable goods and funding job training and employment services in communities across the country. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are uniquely positioned to serve as both a safety net and a stepping-stone, while also advancing sustainability by keeping usable goods in circulation and out of landfills,' he said. While community donations remain the foundation of Goodwill's model, the retailer is exploring other channels that could help meet an increase in demand for goods. Eagles said Goodwill is expanding innovative supply partnerships with brands and producers who are increasingly seeking scalable, responsible solutions for their inventory. 'Their supply chains often end where ours begins—and that creates a powerful opportunity to extend product life and reduce waste while providing more local community good,' he said. Secondhand retailers are watching how tariffs may impact other aspects of operating a business such as fuel and the packing and transporting of their goods. 'If we see prices rise, we will manage those pressures carefully. Our focus remains on using every donation and every sale to help someone prepare for and succeed in the workforce, while also contributing to a more circular economy,' Eagle said. According to Frye, Buffalo Exchange faces some unavoidable extra expenses, such as the cost of shipping clothing from full-price stores to outlet locations in places like Nogales, Ariz. and San Antonio, Texas. The company's strategy of sourcing clothing locally—by having each store buy from its surrounding community—helps stabilize overall costs. Frye maintains that shopping secondhand isn't just a trend or a result of financial uncertainty, and rising retail prices highlight what Buffalo Exchange's longtime customers already know: they can find high-quality, desirable items for much less than retail. However, the relentless pace of unprecedented events in recent years has highlighted the need for alternatives to traditional retail. In times of uncertainty, secondhand shopping offers consumers and retailers stability and resilience. Buffalo Exchange is exploring ways to make shopping and selling easier, including recently introducing a digital waitlist system to make selling more convenient. 'We always have a steady and reliable stream of sellers, but we are exploring new ways to connect with the communities we operate in to make secondhand and sustainability accessible to all. We're beginning to experiment with on-site selling events at student housing complexes for university students,' Frye said. During challenging economic times, Goodwill plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities through its mission-driven services. 'What we're seeing is an increased awareness of the value of reuse—and the role donors play in strengthening local communities. If we see prices rise, it reminds people that secondhand is smart, sustainable, and socially impactful,' Eagles said. Goodwill stands ready to meet that growing demand, not just by offering affordable goods, but by transforming donations into workforce opportunities and by partnering with businesses to create more sustainable supply chain solutions at scale. Goodwill's donated goods retail business supports one of the largest job training and employment services networks in the U.S. Every purchase helps fund programs that provide hands-on skills training, career navigation, and support for individuals overcoming barriers to work, helping more people get back on their feet and thrive. By choosing Goodwill, Eagles said shoppers not only save money, they also contribute to a stronger, more resilient workforce. 'The Goodwill mission is more important than ever as the job market becomes increasingly specialized and AI and automation more prevalent,' he added. In 2024, Goodwill helped more than 2.1 million people access employment and support services. Over 141,000 of these people found jobs within Goodwill or with other employers. 'We are seeing record demand for services that help people learn new skills, reenter the workforce, seek better-paying jobs and achieve economic independence. As industries evolve, many individuals need support to adapt and succeed in the modern economy,' Eagles said. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
