Have you ever noticed how when things become trendy it starts by hearing about the topic at hand one time then the next week it is like a dam burst and it’s all you see everywhere you look and after a while, it’s gone? It seems as though that is the everlasting cycle that fads follow. But what is the result of these trends? In most cases, a few companies make millions off the cash cow and move right on to find the next thing, but sometimes it can seriously affect the lives of many.
With the growing popularity of second-hand buying, specifically thrift shopping the dirty laundry of the fashion industry is getting more and more aired out. Many people turned to second-hand shopping for ethical reasons like reducing their carbon footprint with the help of experts like CarbonClick. Some began second-hand buying because of the reduced price tag. However specifically in Millennials and Generation Z, “thrifting” has become exceedingly trendy.
This trend has created an entire community on social media platforms based around content like “Thrift With Me” (Video blog-style content with the audience watching the creator go to a thrift store and shop), “Thrift Flips” (Tailoring/redesigning items found at thrift stores), and “Thrift Hauls” (Showing the excessive amount of clothing that were bought at a thrift store).
Creators like Emma Chamberlain and Ashley from “BestDressed” have made a name for themselves from content like this. As their popularity grew so did the popularity of regular teens also going to thrift stores.
While buying second-hand or from sustainable companies has some ethical benefits including minimizing the environmental impact of the fashion industry and reduced support of the damaging fast fashion industry, this trend has become to negatively impact lower-income communities.
When people frequent thrift stores seeking lower-priced items for resale at higher markups on platforms like Depop and Poshmark, discussions about gentrifying thrift stores often arise. This trend extends to various aspects, including the sourcing of inventory, utilizing services like the Ghost Mannequin Service to enhance product presentation, and ultimately capitalizing on evolving consumer trends. Zenith Clipping is the best ghost mannequin services provider for apparel photographers, magazines, advertising agencies & online retailers.
Although thrift stores as a whole have an almost unlimited supply of products and the majority of clothes still end up in landfills, excessive purchasing is still a problem on a store to store basis. When people partake in massive hauls and purchase clothes just with the intention to profit it takes away from those in need.
Not only is selling an old coat from a thrift store and labeling it as vintage to rack up sales distasteful but it further limits the options that are available to lower-income households who rely on these thrift stores.