The Power of a Dollar
Thrifting makes a long-term impact for those who donate clothes to their community and for those who decide to shop locally
January 11, 2023
Over the past few years, the concept of thrifting has become a new revenue for shopping. This new idea caught the attention of hundreds of influencers, collecting used, yet unique pieces from local thrift stores for people to express themselves.
Well-known media influencer Emma Chamberlain had a significant influence on millions of people when she used her platform to share her love for thrifting. By sharing this fresh idea with the world, she shifted the way people think about shopping and their effect on their environment.
In a 2021 Nylon article, Chamberlain said that “ever since I started getting into fashion, thrifting has been my favorite resource to build my closet. There’s something creative about it. There’s no trend racks, there’s no guidelines.”
Thrifting creates a sense of freedom and creativity that allows people to challenge their fashion abilities. However, some thrifting trips may involve some trial and error.
“I kind of have a love-hate relationship because, you know, sometimes you can walk in a store with confidence, thinking that you will find some great pieces, but you end up walking out with nothing,” senior Abriana Blue said.
Social media plays a huge role in encouraging people to shop at local thrift stores, yet, they sometimes don’t address what obstacles some people may face when shopping locally.
Sophomore Tristan Jackson has experienced issues when thrifting, mostly finding clothes that don’t fit his style.
“Usually on TikTok, people make it look really cool and fun, which it most definitely is, but they really don’t show the ugly side of it,” Jackson said.
Though problems may arise when shopping, that does not stop shoppers from finding unique pieces that speak to them.
“When walking into a resale store or thrift store, I usually go straight to the denim section because although some things may look outlandish, I almost always find a really good pair of jeans that look in good condition,” Blue said.
Thrifting also allows different types of people to connect within their own community. Though some people may not be looking for the same thing, or may not know where their purchases came from, by shopping at a thrift store, they are helping their community.
“Sometimes when I am looking for cargos in the pants section, across the aisle, I see an old man debating on whether he is going to buy some jeans or not,” Jackson said. “It’s kind of funny because we are in the same section, yet we have very different styles.”
Thrifting may come with its problems and challenges along the way, but that does not change the way people think about thrifting.
By clothes being reused and recycled, certain communities are pouring into their less fortunate communities. Marking down used and donated items allows them to keep warm during the winter and stay cool during the summer season.
Shopping locally at resale and thrift stores allows for a sense of community to develop and empowers people to be the change they want to see in their own environment.
