As a person who stakes their identity as a thrifter and is now dedicating vast amounts of free time to writing about this hobby I thought it would be important to define “what is thrifting?”. Especially since there are so many curated vintage shops, consignment shops and even major retailers selling vintage! It can get confusing what we’re talking about when we say “I got it at the thrift store”. Does any shop selling second hand goods count? Or is there something more that makes it a *thrift* store. As I’m curating lists of thrift stores across Canada, and even online thrift stores it makes me ask – what types of shops make the cut in a list of ‘thrift stores’?
What is a thrift store?
A thrift store is a store selling second hand goods. The simplest definition of a thrift store is one where the goods have been donated for free to then be sold. The store does a minimal level of curation (i.e. makes sure the objects aren’t damaged) and then hangs and shelves items for purchase. Because of the donation > storefront pipeline this typically means prices are relatively cheap.
Note: I do not think a store needs to exist for the purpose of fundraising for a charitable organization to be a thrift store. This means that large, for-profit thrift retailers like Value Village and Talize absolutely count as thrift stores.
Are vintage shops and consignment shops thrift stores?
The grey area for the question of ‘what is a thrift store’ comes when there’s a middle man, which is the case trendy, curated vintage shops in downtown cities. Or even consignment shops, where there are typically higher-quality items being sold but with markups to account for profit at multiple levels. These shops do not count as thrift stores.
The differentiator is in the shopping experience. A second hand boutique is a somewhat spoonfed ‘thrifting’ experience. Someone else has carefully selected items and merchandised them in a way that makes them easy to shop. This effort is significant and of course comes with a higher price tag. Now don’t get me wrong. I LOVE curated second hand shops. I also love antique malls, consignment shops and Etsy. Some of my favourite objects come from these places! But… that’s just not the same as going to a thrift store.
How about online thrift stores?
The economics of an online thrift store makes it far trickier to define. It takes a lot of time for second hand sellers or thrift store owners to curate items, make repairs, take measurements, photograph, post, package and ship stuff. The deals just aren’t as good online because second hand items have to go through some curation process.
The act of even sifting through listings of second hand goods online makes it in itself more of a thrift-like jumble. Browsing a site like ebay or poshmark takes loads of work to find the right search terms and scrutinise listings for deals. For this, I do consider online second hand marketplaces to be sort of like an online thrift store.
What is thrifting?
Thrifting is when you go to a thrift store to shop for second-hand items. Thrifting is rummaging through slightly disorganised racks and shelves to find a gem (or two, if you’re lucky). Instead of dropping big bucks on brand new clothes or furniture, you’re paying a fraction of the price. It’s stumbling across a perfectly worn-in vintage band tee from the ‘80s or a quirky ceramic owl lamp that you didn’t know you needed. It’s finding a leather bomber for the price of your daily latte or discovering a retro Polaroid camera with a few old photos still stuck inside. Thrifting is about the thrill of the hunt, the surprise of what you might uncover, and the satisfaction of giving something old a new story.
Why is thrifting so popular?
Thrifting has gotten seriously popular. What used to be a potentially shameful necessity has now become cool, with entire generational subcultures built around it. People are drawn to the idea of being more sustainable and rejecting fast fashion. It’s also about individuality. Why wear the same mass-produced outfit as everyone else when you can find something one-of-a-kind? Add the excitement of treasure hunting and the bragging rights of saying, “Yeah, it’s thrifted,” and you’ve got a movement. Plus, the rise of vintage fashion and DIY culture has made thrifting not just practical but trendy.
Benefits of thrift shopping
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? There are so many benefits to thrift shopping from it being a fulfilling creative hobby to the simple fact that it is more affordable and sustainable than shopping new.
It is better for the planet
Thrifting helps reduce waste and the production of new items.
It is more affordable than shopping new
You can find quality items at a fraction of the price. Even if you have the money to buy new things, it’s often more logical to purchase items of the same quality for a much cheaper price.
You can support local organizations
Many thrift stores are run by charities, so your purchases often help fund local programs and services.
A low risk way to experiment with new styles
It lets you try out different styles without spending a lot of money.
You might find stuff with historical value
Some thrift finds can have historical significance or unique stories attached to them, making them more special.
It helps to normalize shopping second-hand
It helps make second-hand shopping a mainstream option.
The joy of finding something *perfect* for you is unmatched
Coming across a good thrift find creates an excitement that can’t be matched by simply buying something new.
Older items are often better quality
Just because something is used doesn’t mean it isn’t of nice quality. Older items, especially clothing, were often made with more durable materials and better craftsmanship, making them last longer than many new products.
You get to be creative
Shopping at thrift stores is a creative exercise. You have to think harder about what will and won’t work for you.
Thrifting is a hobby
Thrifting can be a fun hobby, both for fashion and for home decor. You can do it alone or with friends, and you can easily spend a few hours thrifting and only end up spending a couple of bucks!
No pressure to buy
Thrifting is waaaaaaay more relaxed compared to traditional retail environments. You can browse for hours and not feel any pressure to buy!
You never know what you might find
Discovering items you wouldn’t have touched otherwise is delightful, especially brands you don’t normally come across. Even if it’s not something you would ever buy, it’s enjoyable to hold objects that you wouldn’t encounter elsewhere.
You can enjoy an in-person shopping experience
Personally, I live in a small town with plenty of thrift stores, but our “new” retail options tend to be mass retailers (e.g., Walmart, Winners, Joe Fresh, The Bay). The only way to find unique items through in-person shopping is at the thrift store.
Why is thrifting bad?
There are a few arguments for why thrifting is bad.
Thrifting is for those who can’t afford to buy new
Some believe thrifting should be reserved for people who truly need it, and that others shopping there drives up demand.
Thrifting drives up prices
As thrifting becomes more popular, prices at some stores have increased, making it less affordable for those who rely on it.
Thrifting can be a luxury
Finding the “good” stuff at thrift stores often requires a lot of time and access to stores in areas that get better donations, which isn’t possible for everyone.
It’s easy to shop irresponsibly
Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean you should buy it. Huge thrift hauls can lead to overconsumption, which defeats the purpose of shopping more sustainably. Do you really need 20 new items, even if they’re second-hand?
Limited size inclusivity
Thrift stores often lack options in larger sizes, making it harder for people with non-standard body types to find clothing that fits.
Gentrification of thrifting
As thrifting becomes trendy, wealthier individuals are sometimes shopping in thrift stores located in lower-income neighbourhoods, potentially limiting access for locals who rely on those stores.
Quality control
Not all thrifted items are in great condition, and while that’s part of the process, it can also lead to wasted purchases. Items may look fine at first but end up being too worn or damaged to use long-term.
Final thoughts
Now you know, what thrifting is: shopping for second-hand items at thrift stores for a fraction of the price. It’s about discovering unique finds, saving money, and being more sustainable. Thrift stores sell donated goods, offering a wide range of items that you might not find anywhere else. Even though there are some downsides, like rising prices or the time it takes to find something great, thrifting is still a popular choice. Whether you’re a regular or new to it, thrifting is a fun, affordable way to shop that makes a difference.
