b'Many well-run thrift storesincluding onesthrift stores. For example, 51 percent of teens, who operating in connection with rescue missionsallocate eight percent of their shopping time to and similar ministriesare flourishing. Recentsecondhand, have recently purchased used goods. world events have actually boosted their success,Sixty-two percent have sold secondhand items, bringing in more donations, turning more peopleaccording to a fall 2021 survey of teens by Piper toward lower-priced goods, and making individu- Sandler Companies.als more conscious of how purchasing used itemsAnd its not just teenagers. Even big-name is good for society and the environment. celebrities, including Julia Roberts, Zooey Thrift is one of the few industries that, whenDeschanel, Helen Mirren, and Drew Barrymore, managed well, thrived during the events of thehave been spotted sauntering through thrift shops.past two years, said Steve Slack Jr., owner ofThe thrift store has transcended from an SMCo Thrift and www.pickupmydonation.com.unpleasant establishment with a negative stigma to Donations increased as more individuals cleaneda trendy place to shop for young people looking out their houses. Those organizations that werefor creative outfits, unique items for their homes, able to capitalize on the increase in donationsand supplies for craft projects.saw significant growth.Furniture, in particular, is great for upcycling, At the same time, as businesses struggled andSteve said. Items that may show some wear and people were laid off, many found buying newtear can be refinished or completely reimagined as merchandise difficult.a new piece of furniture altogether. The creativity According to the 2021 Resale Report publishedand ingenuity associated with millennials and by thredUP, an online consignment and thriftGen Z are often showcased in these reimagined store, 33 million people shopped secondhandfurniture pieces. And thrift stores provide the clothing for the first time in 2020. The researchraw materials for these projects. also noted that attitudes shifted during the recentFor many, a shopping experience in a thrift pandemic. Customers shopping for clothes carestore is a hunt to discover an unusual treasure or more than they did a couple years ago aboutan exciting deal. ThredUPs report indicated those saving money on apparel, avoiding waste, andwho frequent thrift shops enjoy ones that offer purchasing quality, resaleable garments. good values (about 75 percent of customers), new Recent world events have actually boosted their success, bringing in more donations, turning more people toward lowerpriced goods, and making individuals more conscious of how purchasing used items is good for society and the environment.At the same time, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram,arrivals (about 50 percent), and the fun and excite-and other popular social media outlets are inspiringment of finding unique items (about 50 percent).peopleespecially those under 40to visit localAdditionally, thrifting millennials (in their 20s 8 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022'