Thrift stores these days are focusing on profit and what’s going to sell when buying clothes from their customers. Much like every business, the money is the focus. This makes it harder for people to sell because stores want quality clothes that are in season with minimal signs of wear. This means if there is any snagging, loose threads, chances of pilling, or more, they’re less likely to take those items because stores assume customers are less likely to buy them. This goes against the point of thrift stores, which is just to find clothes for cheap. Thrift stores are the lifeline of people on a budget and people who just need something on their back, so places that treat their customers like department-store-shoppers become less and less like thrift stores by the day.
This leaves less room for those who just want a place to find cheap clothes. Of course there are places like Goodwill and Salvation Army, but more places like Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange are popping up in Google when you search thrift stores, and this is a problem. The price tags at these places get crazy. In comparison, a $24.50 price tag for an item that was originally $50 is a steal, but people trying to live below their means might not be able to afford $24.50 regardless. Thrift stores are conflating the idea of thrifting with running a Depop shop and are forgetting the art of thrifting.
