Necessity is now turning into privilege. Local thrift stores once filled a critical gap for families and students, but that gap is fraying more each year.
Worry about access to affordable clothing is a heavy stressor for students and families juggling expenses like housing and food.
Customers are finding higher prices stamped over lower price tags. In a CBC article from February of 2024, Nisha Patel spoke with multiple customers who found products listed at more than double their original price.
Shoppers at non-profits like Goodwill and Salvation Army face similar issues.
Over the past five years, thrifting has seen a major shift in the age demographic of its main shoppers. A survey done by Value Village found that 40 per cent of Canadian thrifters are Gen Z.
Environmentalism and ethical consumerism drew Gen Z shoppers to thrifting making it trendy, but thrifting prices are now less accessible.
Trendiness oversaturated the market. As a result, what was once essential has become a privilege.
This increased participation upscaled reseller demand and introduced concerns of affordability that the thrift scene had not faced.
According to Capitol One Shopping Research, clothing resale has grown 650 per cent since 2018 and online resale is expected to continue growing annually by 13 per cent through 2029. This growth started pricing people out of thrifted clothing, leaving their choices unwoven.
Although these shopping patterns are more sustainable, not every thrift store is ethical. While some thrifts remain reasonable, others could be out for a cash grab.
For example, many shoppers may not know Value Village is for profit.
Once an important option for the financially-strapped thrifter, thrifting is now overrun by shoppers who jumped on the trend bandwagon and prices have skyrocketed.
Affordable and accessible clothing is not only a basic need but also a major form of expression for many. Thrifting is special because it is clothing that already has a story behind it and is now being up-cycled for a new story.
Students experiencing financial struggles may find solace through unique clothing styles, but lowered accesibility makes that difficult.
According to the Durham Region Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, there are seven priority risk factors in Durham, including homelessness and basic needs.
Clothing is a crucial basic need that provides physical, psychological and social protection and belonging.
Although thrift oversaturation is seeing more traction nationwide, there is no local data community members can access to bridge this gap.
The point is not to completely stop thrifting. The point is to be more conscious of prices and where it is truly best to shop. But with no local information, how can people stay informed on where to buy accessible clothing?
Sewing the gap back together is essential to bring back the necessity of thrifting.
It’s up to policymakers to stay on top of donation and pricing. But most of all, it’s up to shoppers to hold companies accountable.