Thrift shopping enthusiast: 8 good reasons to shop at second-hand stores

Written by Valérie Pichet

Am I the only one who is SO happy to know that thrift shopping is back in style? I’ve always been a fan, ever since I was little. In our home, thrift shopping is a passion that is passed from generation to generation.

If you’re still a bit skeptical about this trend, here is a list of 8 good reasons why you should shop in second-hand stores:

1. For bargain price

If you’re like me and like to renew your wardrobe often, spending in regular-priced shops can be very expensive! With thrift shopping, I can renew my wardrobe each season for less than $100 (and that includes coats and boots :O ).

It’s the same for many categories of products, such as books and decoration. They’re so expensive when bought new, but in thrift stores, it’s so worth it!

2. To find vintage items

We can find products that are no longer on the market, one-of-a-kind items, and even handmade artworks. I’m not telling you anything new when I say that vintage furniture is of better quality, and you can find plenty in thrift stores!

3. It’s good for the environment

According to the United Nations Alliance, the clothing industry generates between 8% and 10% of greenhouse gas. Therefore, buying second-hand clothing is a green choice!

And I’m not talking about the production of furniture and other items for the house. By giving back your clothes, you also contribute a little to reducing your ecological footprint.

4. To give back to the community

Most thrift stores are NPOs, and the funds raised by the sales of items are redistributed to a specific organization (for example, diabetes) or to their community. That’s without mentioning how you’re helping a person in need when you bring your clothes back to any second-hand stores.

5. For the variety of items sold

It’s crazy the variety of items that can be found in second-hand stores! If you’ve never been, you’ll be surprised by the range of products available. It goes from clothes, to curtains, to small electrical appliances and much more!

6. For fun

Whenever I plan a day at a thrift store, it’s all about having fun chasing bargains. I tell myself that it’s the garment that chooses me and not me who chooses to buy it. Every new item I find is a small victory. Going there with friends is even more fun!

7. To create your own style

What better way to stand out than to have your own style, which stands out from all those who follow fashion to the letter?

When I was young, my mother mostly dressed me in thrift stores. At first, I found it a shame to wear old clothes, but as I got older, I began receiving compliments and questions about my style. I was proud to tell them that my sweater cost me $1 and that nobody can find it elsewhere! I’m sure no one will copy my look. ?

8. To meet new people

No joke, when I go to my favourite places, I always see the same people. We exchange addresses and tips. It’s really nice because in this environment, you meet people who are more attached to human contacts than to material items.

For the fun of it, I’ll give you a list of the products I ALWAYS buy at thrift stores:

• My clothes (it’s easier when I change my wardrobe, I just send my clothes back to the thrift shop);
• My coats (why pay a coat over $100 when you want a new one every year ?!);
• My high heels (as they have already been worn, I don’t have to break them, hihi!);
• My dishes (I make unique, and vintage finds every time!)
• Furniture (I think I have two pieces of furniture at home that are new, the rest was given to me, or I found it second-hand!);
• The books (I buy them, I read them, and if I don’t want to keep them, I bring them back to the thrift store, or I give them to a friend!);
• My frames (so cheap with so many ways to modify them to suit your taste!)

In short, you can see that you have no reason not to try it! Here are my favourite places:

Value Village
In almost every city.

“La Ressourcerie de Portneuf”
736, Avenue Principale
St-Marc-des-Carrières

“Le comptoir Émmaüs”
915, St-Vallier E street
Quebec

“Le Bon Citoyen ”
45, Fusey Street
Trois-Rivières

PSST! Check with your municipality, there are often thrift stores in the church basement!

This post was translated from French to English by: