“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” That being said, one person’s ugly Christmas sweater from grandma could be another person’s class picture outfit.
Thrift stores and secondhand shops have something for everyone. People donate their old or unwanted clothes and accessories, and the items are sold for a low and reasonable price. Most of the time, people that cannot afford some of the more pricey department stores go to thrift stores instead. However, thrift stores not only carry clothes and accessories at a low price, but often the clothes are unique and stylish. There is something for everyone, and sometimes, these things are not something you can find anywhere else.
In the past, clothing from thrift stores was often modified and worn by “rebels” and “punk rockers,” and was worn to make them different. The clothes were often items that people could not find anywhere else, and the sense of individuality that came with wearing something that no one else had was pleasing. It fed the need to stray away from trends and to avoid conforming at all costs. Before its popularity rose, shopping at second hand stores was seen as something only people with less money would do. The stores sell items that are normally $20 for $10. It was a way of bargain shopping. Now, people of all classes and styles shop at thrift stores. In fact, shopping at these stores has become so popular that the slang term “thrifting” was developed to refer to shopping at thrift stores.
“I think it’s really cool that people are looking past the stereotype that thrift stores are dirty and gross and are becoming more open to shopping there,” says junior Jackie Esparza, thrifter.
Not only are thrift stores cheap places to buy clothes, but they are an easy way for people to find something stylish and in their tastes. That is why the stores have grown to be so popular with teenagers – stylish clothes at a low price. With so many thrift stores around the Chicago area (The Village, Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, Salvation Army), it’s no surprise that a lot of people make thrift stores a regular place to shop. Not only are the clothes cheap, but there are so many options, and most of them appeal to trends that seem to be making a comeback.
“A lot of trends are coming back from the past,” says Esparza. “Thrift stores usually have these at a much lower price. I also like to find clothes that I know no one else will have.”
The appeal of a secondhand shop lies with the ability to follow hot trends while still having unique and distinct items.
The styles to choose from are endless. At a thrift store, people can probably find a pair of leather pants from someone’s glam-rock phase in the ‘80s draped over an itchy Christmas sweater from grandma. Usually, a popular style that embraces thrift stores is the ‘90s grunge era – flannels, ripped jeans, band t-shirts and more. However, for those who are not into the whole ‘90s rock look, some stores actually sells brand names at a low price. At thrift stores such as Plato’s Closet, you can find brand names like Hollister and American Eagle for about half price. In fact, people can usually spend about $25 and get several items. Finding brand names at a locally-owned store helps the community as well–the money, instead of going to a big corporation, goes to the small town business instead.
Low prices and individuality are abundant at thrift stores, and shopping there helps local businesses. Macklemore didn’t write a song about thrifting for nothing. It really is “freaking awesome.” Not only do thrift stores help the community and those who cannot afford a $60 pair of jeans, but the clothes are unique and stylish.