Thrift shops sell a wide range of discount items, from a set of bronze forks to a girl’s next homecoming dress. Many students are turning to thrifting in order to save the environment, money, or simply to find unique, one-of-a-kind items.

“I thrift because I can find unique outfits that I can’t find at a regular store at the mall. There’s just so much variety.” Senior Ashley Nelson said. 

Plenty of items that enter the doors of a thrift shop (ex. Salvation Army, ValueWorld, and Goodwill) are one-of-a-kind.

“You can get some really unique finds and you know that nobody else is gonna have what you got,” Senior Erin Twomey said. 

Putting together an new outfit can also be incredibly cheap compared to shopping for an outfit at a department store. 

“I basically get paid minimum wage so saving money is always a benefit,” Senior Jill Harrington said. “I always leave with more clothing than I really need because everything is so inexpensive.” 

There are people who argue that thrifting is “dirty” because the items were previously worn or used by other people, but some students say otherwise. 

“[People] think wearing used clothes is gross, but in a way it’s kind of fun to wonder where my clothes have been before I found them,” Harrington said. “And a toss through the wash usually does the trick.” 

These stores also allow job opportunities for people nearby and an opportunity to help the less fortunate in the community. 

“The people that work at these places are great and just wanna help out. They really take care of the stuff they’re given,” Twomey said. 

Thrift shops do not sell unwashed items, either. The employees make sure to wash each item before hanging it or putting it on a shelf for the public. 

“[If you are against thrifting] you just haven’t had a good find yet. After you find your first good piece, it really changes the experience and fun behind it,” Junior Grace Hocking said.