More than a decade ago, Macklemore released the song “Thrift Shop” – a testament to the trendiness of second-hand shopping. It’s a fad that hasn’t gone away. In fact, this year it might be trendier than ever.
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“Part of this, of course, is being driven by the economic uncertainties around and what you know some of the tariffs might do to clothing furniture electronics and such,” said Jennifer Waters, a Chicago-based business reporter. She joined WBBM Newsradio’s Rob Hart this week on the Noon Business Hour.
He noted that more families are turning to resale shops, pawn shops, Goodwill and the Salvation Army for back-to-school shopping this season as economic concerns mount. Hart also recalled a time when it when thrifting had a different reputation.
“When I was in college, this was my first apartment outside of the dorms… my roommates and I went to a Salvation Army to get a couch to furnish this apartment,” he said, adding that, “when I said to an adult, ‘I purchased a couch from the Salvation Army’ – this is 25 years ago – and the first response was, ‘Okay, who died on it?’”
Thrifting, also known as “vintage” shopping, has come a long way since then. Public figures even promote it and social media influencers get views by sharing their thrifting tips.
“My daughter is really a prime example,” said Waters. “She brags about what she gets at these stores and you know, some of it still has price tags on it.”
According to Waters, scoping out vintage shops and consignment stores in the Chicago suburbs can result in some great finds. There are also plenty of shops in the city, as well as chains like Plato’s Closet.
“Then there’s also the consignment stores, where you can go into them and you can get… stuff that still might have its price tag on there. But you can get some really good stuff,” she added, including Tiffany jewelry and other high-end items.
So, as back-to-school prices throw families into a state of panic, they might want to see it as an opportunity to check out what second hand stores have to offer, from clothes and bags to books and supplies.
“Especially now with people kind of tight on money and... you know, worried about spending because of the uncertainty ahead, those stores are getting really, really popular and they’re giving people really good quality things at discounted prices,” Waters said.