In recent years, the “thrift shopping” trend has taken off, with millions of teens switching from going to malls and department stores and instead choosing to hit up their local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
This “trend” has some obvious perks, with thrift shopping being environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and can be treated as a social activity.
Thrift shopping wastes significantly less water and energy than it takes to produce new clothes. It also reduces waste and pollution as instead of throwing out old clothing that will no longer be worn, it can be repurposed and sold at a much lower price for people who may need it.
Another obvious benefit of thrift shopping is that it’s inexpensive, allowing people to purchase more for less. Many teens enjoy the process of shopping but don’t always have the funds to support it, which makes thrift shopping extremely helpful.
Thrift shopping is also a social activity, with many teens choosing to hang out with friends while thrift shopping, or go on dates to the thrift store. Thrift shopping is unique because no two pieces are the same, allowing buyers to explore the store and search for the best pieces.
“I really like it when I’m looking for new basics,” says senior Lily Chort, “they have pieces that are staples in the wardrobe.”
Other than these obvious benefits, thrift shopping is entertaining even beyond the purely social aspect. Thrift stores seem to have pieces that you couldn’t even begin to imagine, like a sweater with Barack Obama’s face on it or a shirt that says “Chipotle is my life.”
Even more so, some of the pieces found in thrift stores are downright hilarious, exemplified by the pair of baby shark high-heeled stilettos pictured above.
“I just love thrift shopping because it’s like what would be the occasion to wear, for example, those high heels or that sweater. What event could possibly merit that kind of attire?” says senior Aryam Agili-Shaban.
Thrift shopping has its obvious perks, but one less considered perk is the unique and hilarious pieces you find in stores. Try going to your local thrift shop and see what kind of unusual pieces you find!
