How Inflation is affecting the thrift stores

 

It seems that Inflation has hit a 40 year high affecting everything from
gas prices, housing, food, and consumer goods.  Inflation started to
creep up on us back in December 2021 as the pandemic took its toll on
employees who were resistant to going back to work again for low
wages.  No one was willing to risk their lives again for low wages, the
risk of being exposed to unvaccinated people and people who refused to wear a mask was simply overwhelming for many entering the job force
again.  

Inflation has its root causes and there are many causes contributing to
it such as the supply chain disruption, there were many truck drivers that
refused to work during the pandemic.  Those that did work refused to
adhere to the mask mandates rules.  Canada had recent protests where
truckers used trucks to jam traffic and prevent supplies from being
delivered.   Many Americans supported the Canadian protests. 
The disruption of the supply chain such as ports full of cargo that hasn’t
been delivered to stores has caused shelves to become bare.  With the
supply, not being delivered the prices for those goods have gone up.

Truck drivers not delivering the products to the stores has caused supply
chain disruptions.  The great resignation has caused many Americans
to look for higher-paying jobs as they switch jobs or quit.

Higher gas prices at the pump are making goods and services become more
expensive as these businesses pass the cost down to the
consumer.    

All of these factors have contributed to Inflation.   Inflation is
affecting the thrift stores because more people are going to the thrift
stores to find consumer goods that they would otherwise purchase at a
retail store.  

Fewer people are donating to thrift because they would rather resell
items on eBay, Facebook marketplace, Mercari, and Poshmark.  As
opposed to donating like before the Inflation hit the public.  
People need money and are making money by sales of items at garage sales
flea markets and online sales.  

Thrift stores are raising their prices as Inflation hits most retail
stores.  Clothing is becoming more expensive in both retail and
thrift stores.  Even though, some thrift stores have prices that are
less than the retail prices in comparison.   

The thrift stores are increasing in volume and increasing their
prices.

How Inflation is affecting the thrift stores

 

It seems that Inflation has hit a 40 year high affecting everything from gas prices, housing, food, and consumer goods.  Inflation started to creep up on us back in December 2021 as the pandemic took its toll on employees who were resistant to going back to work again for low wages.  No one was willing to risk their lives again for low wages, the risk of being exposed to unvaccinated people and people who refused to wear a mask was simply overwhelming for many entering the job force again.  

Inflation has its root causes and there are many causes contributing to it such as the supply chain disruption, there were many truck drivers that refused to work during the pandemic.  Those that did work refused to adhere to the mask mandates rules.  Canada had recent protests where truckers used trucks to jam traffic and prevent supplies from being delivered.   Many Americans supported the Canadian protests.  The disruption of the supply chain such as ports full of cargo that hasn’t been delivered to stores has caused shelves to become bare.  With the supply, not being delivered the prices for those goods have gone up.

Truck drivers not delivering the products to the stores has caused supply chain disruptions.  The great resignation has caused many Americans to look for higher-paying jobs as they switch jobs or quit.

Higher gas prices at the pump are making goods and services become more expensive as these businesses pass the cost down to the consumer.    

All of these factors have contributed to Inflation.   Inflation is affecting the thrift stores because more people are going to the thrift stores to find consumer goods that they would otherwise purchase at a retail store.  

Fewer people are donating to thrift because they would rather resell items on eBay, Facebook marketplace, Mercari, and Poshmark.  As opposed to donating like before the Inflation hit the public.   People need money and are making money by sales of items at garage sales flea markets and online sales.  

Thrift stores are raising their prices as Inflation hits most retail stores.  Clothing is becoming more expensive in both retail and thrift stores.  Even though, some thrift stores have prices that are less than the retail prices in comparison.   

The thrift stores are increasing in volume and increasing their prices.

How to make thrift clothing last longer?

Some thrift clothing can last a long time depending fabric it made with . I would purchase name brands like Ann Taylor loft, Express, the Gap, Talbots, Chico’s because they are quality brands and the clothing may be more resistant to wear and tear of the washing machine. 

Purchase clothing that is washable in laundry washing machine not dry clean only articles.

There are ways to make thrift clothing last longer by,

1. Picking up nonbranded and branded clothing first make sure its washable and not dry clean only.

2. Wash in cold only, hot water will wear out clothing faster in wash.

3. Air dry clothing instead of using dryer

4. Mend any holes it may have by sewing

5. Shave off the lint off clothing with clothes shaver

6. Gently steam the clothing instead of ironing

7. Hang your clothes to air them out daily

8. Use Oxiclean to get tough stains out

9. Spray with white vinegar to get out smells

10.  Try not to wash clothing often to keep them from wearing out.

In summary using these ten suggestions can help to keep thrift store clothing from wearing out too soon.

But keep in mind that the clothing at the thrift has been proven to be strong because they are in resellable condition.  Some fabrics can be sustainable depending upon the brand.  With proper care clothing can last 15 years or more.  

How to make thrift clothing last longer?

Some thrift clothing can last a long time depending fabric it made with . I would purchase name brands like Ann Taylor loft, Express, the Gap, Talbots, Chico’s because they are quality brands and the clothing may be more resistant to wear and tear of the washing machine. 

Purchase clothing that is washable in laundry washing machine not dry clean only articles.

There are ways to make thrift clothing last longer by,

1. Picking up nonbranded and branded clothing first make sure its washable and not dry clean only.

2. Wash in cold only, hot water will wear out clothing faster in wash.

3. Air dry clothing instead of using dryer

4. Mend any holes it may have by sewing

5. Shave off the lint off clothing with clothes shaver

6. Gently steam the clothing instead of ironing

7. Hang your clothes to air them out daily

8. Use Oxiclean to get tough stains out

9. Spray with white vinegar to get out smells

10.  Try not to wash clothing often to keep them from wearing out.

In summary using these ten suggestions can help to keep thrift store clothing from wearing out too soon.

But keep in mind that the clothing at the thrift has been proven to be strong because they are in resellable condition.  Some fabrics can be sustainable depending upon the brand.  With proper care clothing can last 15 years or more.  

Why thrift store reselling is ethical and not unethical?

 

Why thrifting and reselling is ethical and not unethical?

I read an article in the North Texan Daily where the writer wrote that reselling is unethical because it causes the thrift store prices to rise. Therefore making it less affordable for the community that relies on these items.  

The writer argues that thrifting has become trendy and no longer has a stigma or shame attached to it.  The writer cites a 2010 Pennsylvania State University study which "showed that lower-income individuals more often purchased clothing, furniture, and household goods. Whereas higher-income individuals purchased trinkets and antiques and shopped less frequently." The writer concluded that low-income shoppers thrift as a "necessity" whereas higher-income shoppers thrift as a "commodity".  Therefore making reselling unethical by purchasing low-priced items and reselling for higher profit.  

The writer writes about the gentrification of the thrift industry as wealthier and middle-class people push out the poor by purchasing these thrift items and reselling them for higher profit. Thrift stores will cater to resellers and others willing to pay more for their items.  

The writer goes on to write that thrifting is a good practice because it's recycling clothing instead of landing in landfills.  It is good for the environment but at the same time argues that what is happening to the lower-income people shouldn't go "unnoticed" with the thrifting trends.

Finally, the writer writes that reselling is exploitive and that as a society we should do better. 

In some respects, I agree with the writer but I don't agree that reselling is unethical, here is why.  Thrift stores are like a treasure hunt, you never know what you will find. You know that old saying another man's junk is another man's treasure and it's true.  The writer writes about recycling and reusing to save the environment but at the same time bashes the resellers for saving these items in the same breath.  

Most thrift stores throw out about a 1/3 of goods and clothing that will not sell in their shop. An example: Goodwill will send items out to their outlet or Goodwill bins where they sell by the pound before as the last stop before going to landfills.   

Secondly, the writer used Goodwill as an example that in 2010 and in 2020 there was a difference in their donation valuation guide.  Goodwill will charge varying prices instead of a fixed price. It's true most thrift stores have varying prices on clothing and items but many of these thrift stores invest in their communities.  Goodwill industries use the funds from the thrift stores to create jobs, and offer job training for the poor and disabled. Another example is a thrift store in my local area called Divine Providence they use the funds for the local church and for programs to help young mothers. 

The writer doesn't include these facts in her analysis of resellers purchasing items at higher volumes. The money goes into the local community which helps the poor and the underserved. 

The idea of gentrification of thrift shops is not a bad thing. It allows everyone from every walk of life to purchase items for resale and the opportunity to get out of poverty. Reselling is part of the economy which was the idea behind eBay in the 1990s when it started.  The online giant is the place to purchase collectibles, luxury goods, antiques, and anything you can imagine that can be purchased.  Now there are many platforms that cater to everyone such as high-end, like the online shop the real real, and the lower-end online shop like tread up.

Reselling is not exploitive it is part of a U.S. Capitalistic model for the local economy which reinvests into the local community.  Reselling is not unethical.

Read my other articles on thrifting on this site by clicking on blog archive articles.

Article quotes are from the North Texan Daily writer Vanessa Delgado on August 5th, 2021.

Why thrift store reselling is ethical and not unethical?

 

Why thrifting and reselling is ethical and not unethical?

I read an article in the North Texan Daily where the writer wrote that reselling is unethical because it causes the thrift store prices to rise. Therefore making it less affordable for the community that relies on these items.  

The writer argues that thrifting has become trendy and no longer has a stigma or shame attached to it.  The writer cites a 2010 Pennsylvania State University study which "showed that lower-income individuals more often purchased clothing, furniture, and household goods. Whereas higher-income individuals purchased trinkets and antiques and shopped less frequently." The writer concluded that low-income shoppers thrift as a "necessity" whereas higher-income shoppers thrift as a "commodity".  Therefore making reselling unethical by purchasing low-priced items and reselling for higher profit.  

The writer writes about the gentrification of the thrift industry as wealthier and middle-class people push out the poor by purchasing these thrift items and reselling them for higher profit. Thrift stores will cater to resellers and others willing to pay more for their items.  

The writer goes on to write that thrifting is a good practice because it's recycling clothing instead of landing in landfills.  It is good for the environment but at the same time argues that what is happening to the lower-income people shouldn't go "unnoticed" with the thrifting trends.

Finally, the writer writes that reselling is exploitive and that as a society we should do better. 

In some respects, I agree with the writer but I don't agree that reselling is unethical, here is why.  Thrift stores are like a treasure hunt, you never know what you will find. You know that old saying another man's junk is another man's treasure and it's true.  The writer writes about recycling and reusing to save the environment but at the same time bashes the resellers for saving these items in the same breath.  

Most thrift stores throw out about a 1/3 of goods and clothing that will not sell in their shop. An example: Goodwill will send items out to their outlet or Goodwill bins where they sell by the pound before as the last stop before going to landfills.   

Secondly, the writer used Goodwill as an example that in 2010 and in 2020 there was a difference in their donation valuation guide.  Goodwill will charge varying prices instead of a fixed price. It's true most thrift stores have varying prices on clothing and items but many of these thrift stores invest in their communities.  Goodwill industries use the funds from the thrift stores to create jobs, and offer job training for the poor and disabled. Another example is a thrift store in my local area called Divine Providence they use the funds for the local church and for programs to help young mothers. 

The writer doesn't include these facts in her analysis of resellers purchasing items at higher volumes. The money goes into the local community which helps the poor and the underserved. 

The idea of gentrification of thrift shops is not a bad thing. It allows everyone from every walk of life to purchase items for resale and the opportunity to get out of poverty. Reselling is part of the economy which was the idea behind eBay in the 1990s when it started.  The online giant is the place to purchase collectibles, luxury goods, antiques, and anything you can imagine that can be purchased.  Now there are many platforms that cater to everyone such as high-end, like the online shop the real real, and the lower-end online shop like tread up.

Reselling is not exploitive it is part of a U.S. Capitalistic model for the local economy which reinvests into the local community.  Reselling is not unethical.

Read my other articles on thrifting on this site by clicking on blog archive articles.

Article quotes are from the North Texan Daily writer Vanessa Delgado on August 5th, 2021.

Some problems with thrift store items

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> Although I love to thrift,  I have to admit these are some cons
when you go to thrift especially when looking for items to resell. One of
the cons of thrift store items is that once you bought the item you can't
return it. It is bought as is if you purchase the item and don't realize it
has a chip on it. You are stuck with the item because it's not good for
resale. Your only option is to donate it so you don't become a
hoarder. >

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>  >

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>Another con, is buyer's remorse after you buy it, you start to question did
you really need that item? What would I use it for? If you begin to question
what you will need it for then consider reselling it, to get rid of
it.  >

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>Another con, thrift items are generally outdated when it comes to
appliances or furniture it may be unsafe. A study, conducted by the US
consumer product safety Commission found that 69% of thrift store items
visited had at least one hazardous product for sale. The commission found
cribs that didn't meet safety standards, hairdressers without protection
against electrocution, and car seats that have been recalled. >

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>Some cons when shopping for clothing might be that since they
are  >

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>unlaundered there may be bed bugs or lice in clothing when brought home.
These are some of the cons to shopping Thrift but if you are Mindful
and  check out these items on a Google search first. It will stop you
from buying something unsafe. As for clothing, examine it closely before
purchasing make sure to wash as soon as you purchase a new clothing item
from thrift stores.   >

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>Thrift stores may have some cons to the items sold but in long-term most
items at thrift stores are good items that can be bought at a fraction of
retail cost. It is still relatively safe to shop the thrift. >