Everywhere we look, there is an atmosphere of change in the world. From political systems to the way we run our business, everyone is taking a step back to learn new and creative ways to work. While large-scale changes take time, it is easier to start small and in our own homes. When it comes to spending our time and money, we can learn to be more mindful about our purchases. With the pandemic still active, countries, including our own, have championed the idea of shopping locally, supporting small and homegrown businesses. Enter: thrifting! Although it is not a new concept, thrifting is relatively unheard of in the Indian market. Before diving into the advantages of shopping at thrift stores, let us understand the basics.
What exactly is thrifting?
According to definitions.com, thrifting refers to the act of shopping at a thrift store, flea market, garage sale, or a shop of a charitable organization. It is usually with the intent of finding interesting pre-owned items at a low price. It celebrates the recycling of formerly-owned items and a new love for vintage material goods. Thrift stores are widely popular in the west. Though in the last few years, we have seen a steady rise in India too. Although there aren’t many physical stores, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have a variety. They have been hosting many online thrift stores across the country from Mumbai to Manipur!
Why is it becoming popular?
Especially among younger audiences, shopping at thrift stores is becoming increasingly popular. Here are all the reasons why:
- One of the most obvious reasons point directly to our wallets. Thrift stores sell items at a fraction of the original price, considering that they are pre-owned items.
- Thrift stores have a changing collection as most of their inventory is based on donations. So one can expect to see new items every week!
- Shopping at thrift stores can help shoppers curate a unique wardrobe. The beauty of a thrift store lies in its items that are usually one of a kind. From rare designer pieces or vintage finds, thrifting can reveal real gems!
- Talking about unique finds, one could even find pieces that are no longer made.
- Purchases are often directed towards charitable causes or NGO’s. For example, Mumbai based e-thrift store Bombay Closet Cleanse, in collaboration with Karkhana.io, donated 100% of their sales to help manufacture protective equipment for doctors fighting the battle against COVID-19.
- It is a major step towards slow fashion and greatly helps the environment. Every second-hand item we purchase means one less new product being made. This is important to factor in as production of clothing is expensive and has grave effects on the environment. Plus, every thrift purchase means one less item ending up in the landfill!
In conclusion:
It’s no wonder that thrift stores are such an attractive choice. With people becoming more aware of how their choices affect the environment, thrifting can be a healthy alternative to a shopping spree at the mall. Even in our current scenario, thrift e-stores are in full swing, with a few delays in delivery across states. But it looks like people are willing to wait a few extra days for pieces they have found and probably no one else has!
It is still a little unclear as to how the world will look post-pandemic. But it seems like thrifting in India could be the next big thing, especially with younger crowds. With the world going through a ‘reset’ of sorts, thrifting could be a great addition to our new world!
What are your thoughts on this? Tell me in the comments below!
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