by Kim Park

Created on: January 16, 2011

Second-hand stores, also known as thrift or consignment stores, can be found in most cities and towns. What sets them apart from other retailers is the fact that they sell used clothing and other items. Shopping at second-hand stores is a unique experience with each store being different. The reasons for shopping at second-hand stores vary from saving money to helping the environment so why not give shopping second-hand a try?

Save money

One of the main reasons people like to shop at second-hand or thrift stores is to save money. Because the items being sold are second-hand you will find yourself paying less. This can be perfect for mothers who want affordable clothing for their growing children or people who want to furnish their apartment without paying too much. Of course the prices vary from store to store. Some stores specialize in high-end vintage clothing while others may be run by a local charity but either way you will still find the prices lower than if purchasing the desired item brand new.

Help the environment

Ever wonder what would happen to all those clothes and other items in second-hand stores if they weren’t being sold? They would probably all be in landfills. By supporting second-hand stores you are keeping these useful items out of the landfill and giving them a second chance. Also, by buying a second-hand item, you are saving all the new materials, energy and emissions that would have been used if your item had been created from scratch.

Shopping adventures

Another reason to shop at second-hand stores is for the experience. No two thrift stores are the same and every store is filled with different items you would have a hard time finding anywhere else. It is the thrill of the hunt that keeps many people going back to second-hand stores. You never know when you’ll find the perfect shirt or a brand name jacket marked down to some ridiculously low price and at most stores the inventory is always changing. Second-hand stores don’t follow the seasons and fashion laws like other clothing stores, their stock changes constantly, always giving the shopper new items to find.

Reuse and re-purpose

Items from second-hand stores are perfect for reusing and re-purposing. If a person is just learning to sew or design their own fashions using a thrift store to purchase fabric is affordable and offers a wide range of materials to choose from. Items can also be purchased and disassembled for their base materials, such as buying a sweater and undoing it to reuse the yarn in a new project. Items that just need a little work can also be upgraded, such as a chair having its seat reupholstered or a suit being taken in. Second-hand stores are a great place to find affordable starting materials for many different projects.

In the end shopping at a second-hand store tends to be a rewarding experience for yourself, your pocketbook and for the environment.

Learn more about this author, Kim Park.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.