Not only has Macklemore’s song “Thrfit Shop” promoted the recent boom in thrifting, but students on a budget have found bargains and great discounts on luxury brand clothing, furniture and accessories from local stores. | Kayla Stewart/The Daily Cougar
Even before Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” hit the radio, young shoppers flocked to local thrift stores to find great deals on fashionable clothes and accessories.
According to the Association of Resale Professionals, resale is a multibillion dollar industry that grew approximately 7 percent per year for the last two years. Whether it’s Buffalo Exchange, Plato’s Closet or Salvation Army, the ultimate goal is finding bargains. From 2007 to 2012, Goodwill Industries experienced an 83 percent increase in revenues.
Resale shops offer on-a-budget students the opportunity to find unique clothes and set new trends, but it isn’t the only option. Interpersonal communications senior Cayla Wheaton said she prefers to shop at Ross or T.J. Maxx.
“I feel like I can go to Ross to find the same clothing in a resale shop, but newer, “ Wheaton said. “I do go to thrift stores to buy umbrellas and tents.”
Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” has impacted resale shops and Goodwill Industries have began to use the “poppin’ tags” phrase in their advertisements.
The recent popularity of thrifting has also seeped its way into reality television with shows like “Resale Royalty” and “Fashion Hunters.” These shows provide tips for the public and offer advice on finding inexpensive, fashionable outfits.
Media studies senior Justin Sanford prefers to buy new clothes, but shops for furniture at consignment stores.
“My grandparents introduced me to consignment stores because they have variety of pieces that flowed together,” Sanford said.
“I like Coda in the Heights. You can find unique pieces and you get more for your money.”
