THRIFTING: Buying second-hand clothing has become a sort of hobby for many young people.
By Shelby Clemons, Staff Writer
Instead of running to big-name department stores to get the latest dress or the trendiest new pair of shoes, many young people are picking a cheaper, more unique alternative: thrift shops. These shops allow people to grab items that are no longer available at a more affordable price than new clothes, making their wardrobe one-of-a-kind. Many people are drawn to “thrifting” because they dislike showing up at school wearing the same exact Forever 21 shirt as ten other people.
Carly Comer (12) said, “You find such unique things all in one place. You find the quirkiest things there from dresses to funny t-shirts.”
Avid “thrifters” see it as more of a game to see what treasures they can find among the racks, searching for designer goods like a vintage band t-shirt or Chanel purse at the lowest price possible.
“I am definitely not going to find vintage Versace for $5 anywhere besides a thrift store,” thrifter Antonio Serros (10) said.
The wide variety of consignment and thrift shops is what attracts people to them. There are traditional used-goods stores such as Salvation Army, where you can buy a variety of items including furniture, movies and books. Vintage shops tend to be a bit more expensive because they have authentic vintage merchandise. Others like Buffalo Exchange and Wasteland are second-hand shops that usually sell clothing from specific stores such as Forever 21, H&M and Urban Outfitters. A big perk of these stores is that most of them allow customers to trade in their softly used goods for either cash or store credit.
Riverside offers a good variety of its own thrift shops, including a shopping center on Magnolia Avenue dedicated to this hobby. These include Goodwill, Clem’s, the Hospice and Flamingo, among others. Many consistently have specials and deals, like half-off Sundays. These shops also tend to support charities. “It is really cool to find ones that are non-profit because you know you are helping out great organizations,” Comer said.
Thrifting has many benefits, including cost savings and the thrill of the hunt for unexpected treasures. For many, it creates a new sense of style compiled with precious pieces unlike anyone else’s.
“You no longer rely solely on the blank-faced models at Forever 21, H&M or Urban Outfitters to provide you with an ideal or trendy style,” Serros said.
Photo by Shelby Clemons/The Poly Spotlight