One of the most popular things to do these days is going to thrift stores. For me, it’s always been interesting to go into secondhand stores to find trinkets and books that belonged to people before me. But now, society doesn’t necessarily view thrift shopping as a great alternative to just shopping at Walmart.
Many people are opposed because of the sole reason that all of the items belonged to someone else before. Which is ironic, because that’s my favorite part. The idea that there are so many stories linked to one particular item you picked up is incredible to me. Items might also link you back to the past — maybe you see a set of bowls that you had as a kid or a board game you would always play with your family. Other people’s memories can connect with your own, or their memories can be purchased by you and have new ones added on to it.
This is also a super cheap alternative to shopping at Walmart or any department store. For college students, you can get a lot of the items you need for dorm or apartment living. Sets of glasses, pots and pans, lamps, televisions and furniture can all be found while thrifting. Not only is it good for college students, but for lower income families who want to buy a toy for their kids or need the same necessities we do. You can find find it all in a thrift store.
I think the most controversy comes in when clothes are brought into the picture. When I shop for clothes, I am very particular about what I am looking for. Going into the store, there’s an idea in my head of what I want. If it’s not there, then I don’t get anything. That happens a lot of the time, but there have been a few times when I lucked out and found more than what I wanted. Now, if something looks like it could have just been thrown away instead of being donated, I won’t buy it. However, you can find some great pieces of clothing for super cheap. Coats at Goodwill are $10, which means other thrift stores will have them for much cheaper.
There will always be controversy about purchasing certain things from the thrift store, but there’s no arguing that it’s cheap. People may have different ideas than mine on why they love thrift stores, but whatever it is, it’s valid. Going in, I never know what to expect. There is something new every day in thrift stores. Whether it’s a millennial/gen Z thing that has become overrated or not, it’s a smart alternative for anyone.
