Latest news with #thriftshopping
Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Her Dorm Room Side Hustle Led to $60,000 in Sales Overnight — Then Over $1 Million.
When Ali Grace was in high school, she loved thrift shopping for vintage denim with her mom. She'd cut up old jeans and repurpose or tailor them to fit her. And when she went off to college at UMass Amherst, she studied math and computer science. But by her senior year, in 2018, she'd gotten a little bored with her STEM studies and started looking for a creative outlet. She and her roommate started prowling thrift shops for vintage Levis and customizing them to fit the girls who lived in their dorm. Word got around, with more girls requesting their own custom jeans, and soon it became a side hustle, with Grace selling five to ten pairs a month for about $150 each. Want to read more stories like this? Subscribe to Money Makers, our free newsletter packed with creative side hustle ideas and successful strategies. Sign up here. " I had this thing on my website where you'd do a deposit and you'd fill out a form with all your measurements, inspo photos, what you want, and then I would individually text every single customer and talk to them about their order one-on-one before I Venmo requested them," she says. Around that time, Grace made her first wholesale connection. "I met this guy in front of a wall of Levi's at a thrift store, and he was like, 'Oh my mom has a barn of these.' It's crazy that the lady had the same birthday as me, drove the same car. She was essentially me but 55! Her name was Karen." During that period, Grace also took a class called Creative Entrepreneurship, which she credits for changing the trajectory of her life. The professor introduced her to a local business accelerator, which she decided to apply for, and got in. From the top 300 businesses, she made it through multiple rounds of elimination to the top 12, and won a few thousand dollars. "It wasn't about the money," she says. "It was about proving that this small business had the potential to be something big and that we were on the cusp of it. Once I saw the momentum, I moved forward with aligrace at full force." Image credit: Lauren Alexandra The first couple of years after graduating, her business, which she called aligrace, was a one-woman show. She opened a little boutique in Cape Cod, and then moved to California. "I will say I was extremely profitable then, and our jeans were probably 30% to 50% cheaper than they are now because I didn't have rent. All I had was the cost of inventory, the labor cost of me working on the jeans, and the seamstress cost." Related: She Quit Corporate Life to Pursue a Side Hustle With Her Sister. They Saw Over $100,000 During Launch Weekend — and Now Have an 8-Figure Brand. Profitable or not, those years were a grind because Grace wanted to maintain personal connections with her customers. She texted each buyer in a kind of one-on-one consultation. "I remember I would stay at my office until midnight because I had to text everybody," she says. "Like, there are 75 people that I have to get through before I can start their orders! But it was really impactful and because when they would get their jeans, they would personally text me like, 'Oh my God, I've never had a pair that fit like this before!' When the pandemic hit, Grace shut down for a couple of months to cope with the chaos. But when she was ready to take orders again, she opened her website around midnight and went to bed. " I woke up and we had like $60,000 in sales in like 12 hours," she says. "At this time, I'm operating out of a shed in my yard. I have hundreds of Levi's, but I don't have a setup to accommodate like 300 orders in a day. So I got a warehouse. I expanded, I bought more inventory. I hired my first employee. I started hiring more teams of seamstresses. Things just really snowballed from there." To the uninitiated, building an entire business on customizing vintage Levi's might sound like an impossible sourcing dilemma. But, as Grace explains, there's actually a vast Levi's wholesale market, with sellers all over the world. After all, Levi's has been making jeans since 1873, and their jeans last a long time. "All of the denim we have is 20 to 30 years old," Grace says. "We have some jeans that are even older than 30 years old and they really hold up." In many ways, it's the most sustainable possible model for a fashion brand: recycling used materials, paying for local labor. But, unsurprisingly, everything about the business — from sourcing to the actual alterations — is labor-intensive. "One of our main wholesalers is in San Jose and he ships us like a thousand jeans at a time," Grace says. "We'll go up there on buying trips, which can be upwards of a 10 to 12-hour day. We drive up there with a U-Haul, dig through pallets trying to find grade A or B vintage denim. Then we size it, grade it and organize it by waist, butt and length, so when orders come in, it's really easy to find the sizes we need. Then we alter it to the desired style, with all the little extras — tilted pockets, split seam, unfolded hem, whatever it may be. It goes to the seamstress, and then there's a whole stain treatment process to clean the denim, since it's vintage. It's very hands-on and it's definitely been a grind to figure out how to scale this." It was in 2020, after ramping up production, that Grace also started reaching out to influencers. "To this day, we haven't paid a dollar in influencer marketing," she says. "Everything is just pure gifting. I don't ask anything in return." Image credit: Lauren Alexandra And though it took a little while, those no-strings-attached influencer relationships paid off in a big way. Revolve, the online fashion retailer, had long been a dream partner for Grace. "I tried all my avenues of getting in touch with Revolve and everything was a dead end," she says. "Then one day, I think it was in October 2023, I had a DM from Casey, the denim buyer. She had found us on TikTok through Kelsey DiPrima, one of our OG influencers." Related: Why Big-Name Influencers Are Losing Power — and Micro-Influencers Are Taking Over Still, even if it was the dream, selling to a retailer like Revolve meant finally developing standard sizing — a departure from Grace's foundational concept of vintage denim customized to each woman's body. "That was kind of hard for me because I loved that we were fully custom for so long," Grace says. "But it's just not scalable, you know? So I developed our 23 through 35 standard sizing based on all of our customers' measurements over the previous seven years, and then we crafted these standard size guides. But you still have the option to buy custom on our website." Since starting their partnership with Revolve, aligrace has also started selling at FWRD, the showroom Place, and recently launched with Anthropology. Last year, the company hit $1 million in sales, and Grace says, "I believe we can do $2 million this year with our website and wholesale connections." For Grace, one of the most rewarding parts of her journey has been staying connected to the "ride or die" aligrace customers she was texting into the wee hours, six years ago. "Some have like 15 pairs of our jeans in their closets now," she says. "They're my friends. It's not possible for me to be that hands-on anymore, but if I didn't do it like that back then, I don't think we would be where we are today. It really developed a community of people who wanted to support us."
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vinnies surprises Aussies with major announcement that's set to change the way you shop forever
One of Australia's favourite op shops has finally launched a digital store, offering 30,000 pre-loved fashion pieces - ranging from designer labels to popular high-street brands. Vinnies has taken thrift shopping to a whole new level with its new platform, aptly named Vinnies Finds, making sustainable, affordable style more accessible than ever. Every donated item has been carefully curated by a team of 25 staff and volunteers at Vinnies' warehouse in Sydney 's inner west, with shipping available nationwide. With new men's and women's clothes, shoes and accessories dropping daily, shoppers can grab bargains on their favourite brands - including Burberry, Kate Spade, Christian Dior, Chanel, Zimmermann, New Balance and Nike and more. With growing demand for second-hand shopping and vintage clothing - along with the rise of the thrifting trend on social media - it's no surprise that op shops have seen a huge spike in popularity in recent years. And now, after more than 100 years of running brick-and-mortar shops, Vinnies is expanding its internet presence with its first-ever online store, offering tens of thousands of donated items, including pre-loved treasures and unique pieces. 'As shopping habits evolve in the digital age, our move online ensures Vinnies remains relevant and accessible. Today's consumers are seeking convenience, sustainability, and style, all in one click,' Vinnies NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz told FEMAIL. 'Going digital allows us to reach a wider crowd and keep up with the growing demand for eco-friendly options, all while giving pre-loved clothes a second life.' Avid thrift enthusiasts can shop by category, brand, curated collection, price, or by using specific search terms, making it easy to browse and purchase second-hand menswear, womenswear, shoes, accessories, and jewellery. 'New items are uploaded daily, ensuring a constantly refreshed product offering. Items will be rotated seasonally so at the moment you will see a lot of Autumn and Winter wear, but you can also shop now if you want to get summer clothes for your Euro Summer trip,' Ms Saiz said. 'Shoppers can expect a carefully curated range of fashion that includes everything from everyday essentials to high-end designer pieces. You'll find well-known names alongside one-of-a-kind treasures you won't see anywhere else. 'Prices are designed to focus on quality and affordability, reflecting Vinnies' commitment to accessible fashion for all. 'Whether you're hunting for a statement dress, designer shoes, or a timeless vintage jacket, there's something for every budget.' Not only will shoppers find great deals, but they will also be supporting a worthy cause with every purchase. 'Vinnies Finds combines the treasure-hunt experience of thrifting with the convenience of shopping online, all while supporting the work of Vinnies in communities across NSW,' Ms Saiz said. 'It's an affordable way to enjoy fashion while supporting sustainability and giving back to the community.' The online inventory is managed at the Vinnies Finds warehouse in Stanmore, where a dedicated team - many of whom are fashion students or sustainability enthusiasts - pick and pack orders from Monday to Friday. Shoppers are welcome to donate their pre-loved clothes to Vinnies for inclusion in the digital store, Vinnies Finds. 'The process is straightforward and ensures that only quality items make it online,' Ms Saiz explained. 'To donate, simply drop off your clean, gently used clothing and accessories at any Vinnies shop during business hours. A helpful rule of thumb is: if you'd give it to a mate, it's good to donate. 'Once your items are donated, each item is carefully sorted and assessed for quality. Suitable items are prepared for sale in our shops and online store. This includes photographing and cataloguing items for Vinnies Finds. 'By donating to Vinnies, you're not only giving your pre-loved items a new life but also supporting a sustainable and circular economy, all while helping those in need.' The proceeds from these sales directly fund Vinnies' programs and services, supporting thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across NSW each year. 'What's exciting about launching Vinnies Finds is how it brings together purpose and convenience. It's not just about shopping, it's about making second-hand fashion easier to access, giving clothes a second life, and supporting local communities at the same time,' she said. 'It's also a big move toward a more sustainable future. By making it easier to buy pre- loved items, Vinnies is helping to reduce textile waste and support a circular economy. 'And while shoppers find great pieces online, they're also helping fund essential services like crisis accommodation, food support, and help for families doing it tough.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Are Thrift Stores Out? A New Report Says These 2 Stores Are Taking Over Secondhand Shopping
For years, thrift stores have been the hidden gem where savvy shoppers get the most bang for their buck on clothes, decor, and more. But when thrifting became less of a secret, it became harder to find the unique pieces shoppers so desperately craved. With the longer days and warmer nights of summer on the horizon, you might be feeling more inclined to give thrift shopping a go for all your home decor needs—but are thrift stores on the outs? Here's what Yelp's report had to say. Thrift stores are now saturated with easily discarded fast fashion pieces—and the prices at thrift stores might lead you to feel like you're no longer getting the best deals for the quality you're receiving. So if we're not shopping at thrift stores this summer for all of our affordable, unique decor, where are we going? According to Yelp's Summer 2025 Outdoor trend report, searches for salvage yards were up 42% this spring, antique markets were up 33%, and liquidation stores were up 47%—there's more than meets the eye when it comes to shopping second-hand. Yelp based their search data on searches from the first three months of 2025, compared to searches from the same time period in 2024. It seems like this summer is all about maximizing function and aesthetics, with getting the most bang for your buck at every turn. Secondhand shopping isn't the only way people are refreshing their homes without a hefty price tag, Yelp's report also shared that people are looking for more bite-sized upgrades that are low lift with huge return. Searches for hardware replacement were up 97%—and replacing your hardware is one of the easiest refresh hacks in the book. Swapping out cabinet knobs and pulls are a great way to elevate any room, whether it's because your kitchen cabinets have a fresh look or because your living room credenza finally has the gold knobs of your dreams. Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!Spring is the best time for secondhand shopping, especially at antique markets and estate sales. While people are spring cleaning, they're getting rid of the stuff they don't need, and one man's trash could be another man's is also the name of the game this summer, with homesteading-related searches like chicken coops (up 163%) and live chickens for sale (424%) seeing significant increases. People are also upping their garden game and looking to their outdoor spaces to fill them with herbs and other edible plants. Getting the most out of your home and being prepared for life's unpredictabilities is also at the forefront of many minds going into the summer—and for good reason. Prices are high, climates are changing, and people want to be ready for what comes next. Searches for hurricane shutters are up 63% in storm-prone areas like Florida, and fire protection services are up 49% in areas like California. It's not all about preparing for the worst, though. Searches for basement remodels were up by 155% (we're looking at you, at-home bar)—people are looking to convert underutilized spaces into safe havens where they can host and unwind with their communities. If you're ready to be on-trend this summer, you can find the rest of Yelp's trend report on their website. Read the original article on The Spruce
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I've made £1.2k on Vinted and buyer even wore my dress to the BAFTAs – my 50p trick works every time for sales
A THRIFTY fashionista has shared her top Vinted selling tips after making £1,200 on the app - and she's even flogged a dress to a BAFTAs guest. Zakia Moulaoui Guery, 37, has loved vintage clothes and thrift shops for as long as she can remember. 7 7 7 Her passion for second-hand clothing was sparked by her mother Marie-Therese who would take her to thrift stores in France during her childhood. Zakia, who now lives in Edinburgh, said: "My mum was the best at finding treasure, sometimes matching outfits for me and my sister and stuff. "When I grew up, that was the only thing we could do really, because we didn't have the money to go and buy new clothes all the time. And we had really nice clothes because my mother was really good at this. "She loved it. So she would take the time to do it. This is the only thing I would say, it's really demanding, it takes time. If you're shopping quickly, then it's not for you." Vintage and second-hand items now make up 90 per cent of Zakia's wardrobe. She's made a commitment to stop buying brand new clothing but admits it can be tough if she needs something for work. She said: "It's really hard because a lot of the basic items that you may need are really hard to find second-hand. "So it doesn't work all the time, but I'm trying. "Like if you need something specific, like work trousers or something specifically smart for something, it's a lot easier to just pop into M&S and just buy something rather than try to search for it." And Zakia doesn't just buy second-hand and thrifted items, she sells on items from her wardrobe too. I've made £10k on Vinted in 2 years - here's exactly why your items aren't selling, and how you can turn things around In the past two years, she has flogged 48 items on Vinted - making an impressive £1,200. Vinted is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell second hand clothes, shoes and accessories. It's completely free to upload clothes to the app and Vinted does not take a cut of sellers' profits and instead charges buyers a small fee to purchase each item. Zakia chose the username @VintageMamaScot which showcases her wardrobe style and is a nod to her beloved mum, who passed away during the Covid pandemic. She said: "I only sell vintage or retro-inspired pieces on Vinted. I think unique items sell well. "If it's something you definitely cannot find somewhere else, whether it's a dress that has a particular vibe or era, that might sell a lot quicker. "But also good brands. So if you sell something that is a little bit pricey on the high street at an affordable price, that will get snapped up quickly. COS for example, or even things that are no longer made anymore. "Cosmetics as well, it's not only clothing, it's also the beauty brands and stuff. That's where you can make a lot of money." 7 7 7 She continues: "If you're anything like me at Christmas, somebody gives you something and it's totally not you. You can sell it. "As long as it's brand new in packaging, as long as it's not been used, then that's absolutely fine. I've sold perfume and creams and stuff on there and that's because the retail price is so high, so you can really make money on that. "I've also been gifted pieces from Uniqlo, which is totally not me. So that sold really, really well because I think it's a good brand and it can be quite pricey." Zakia is the CEO and founder of Invisible Cities - which arranges walking tours by people who have experienced homelessness. She travels a lot for work, which means she has the chance to find unique pieces along the way. She said: "I'm very lucky to be able to be in different places and buy different things from different cities. "In turn, that means that somebody from the UK or from Scotland might be able to buy a dress that is actually coming from the other side of the world - but it's second-hand and came back in my luggage." Selling tips But having interesting items isn't always enough to get them sold on Vinted. So Zakia has picked up some handy tips during her time on the app, and they always help her to get the sale. Do you need to pay tax on items sold on Vinted? QUICK facts on tax from the team at Vinted... The only time that an item might be taxable is if it sells for more than £6,000 and there is profit (sells for more than you paid for it). Even then, you can use your capital gains tax-free allowance of £3,000 to offset it. Generally, only business sellers trading for profit (buying goods with the purpose of selling for more than they paid for them) might need to pay tax. Business sellers who trade for profit can use a tax-free allowance of £1,000, which has been in place since 2017. More information here: First up, she maintains the 'Frequent Uploads' badge which Vinted gives to sellers if they regularly list five or more items, even if she doesn't have new clothes to flog. She said: "If you don't have too many things to sell, say you only have five items, there's only so many times you can post, right? "So what I do is I delete the post and then I upload it again. So Vinted believes that I'm putting up new stuff all the time." Revealing her next hack, she adds: "And then I always start by knowing what I would absolutely sell it for at a minimum, so that I can reduce the price if needed. Once it's posted online, I just want it to sell. "So if I'm reposting, I knock off £1 or 50p. Reducing your items regularly works quite well." And her most exciting sale to date? A red sequins maxi dress which she had found in a New York thrift store for just $6 (£4.49). Zakia was gutted when she realised the bargain buy was too big for her so decided to sell it instead. She managed to sell it on for £15, three times what she paid for it, and even discovered the frock had made it all the way to the BAFTAs. Guests at this year's glitzy award bash had been encouraged to "make sustainable fashion choices" and buyer Jackie quickly snapped up the sparkly dress. She was so happy with her buy that she sent Zakia a picture from the event. Zakia said: "It shows how we can absolutely make vintage work on the red carpet. "It's an old vintage Debenhams brand. So it must have been the late 80s or maybe the early 90s, I would say. "And this is just the story of this dress with two of us in it over the last three months. So imagine the stories this dress has seen from the moment it was made."
