“Thanks, I thrifted it!”
It is out with the new and in with the old with regards to fashion trends. The used clothing market has had its time in the spotlight for several years now and is expected to continue flourishing.
According to ThredUp’s annual Resale Report, the U.S. secondhand apparel market is expected to reach $74 billion by 2029, a roughly $34 billion increase from 2022.
Thrifting has become an activity enjoyed by many, including young adults at Taylor. Bekah Swanson, junior human physiology and preventive medicine major, enjoys thrifting for various reasons.
“I think you never know what you’re going to find,” she said. “I feel like one style can be broadened, and yeah it’s significantly cheaper (than buying new clothes).”
Taylor graduate Sarah Kelley agreed that thrifting can be “like an adventure,” trying to find the perfect, unique piece. She also appreciates how thrifting, beyond being done for recreation, can have a meaningful impact. She noted how buying used clothes is a great alternative to supporting the, at times, harmful garment industry. Additionally, she recognized how thrift stores can be a great ministry.
“One thing that has stuck out to me is thrift stores that provide kind of a stepping stone, for example, for people who are homeless or people who don’t have a lot of job skills and are working on that,” she said. “…There's also an element of, when people are living in poverty, having less expensive clothes or dishes or just random things that they’re buying can be such a huge blessing to them.”
Around Taylor there are a couple stores where students can enjoy thrifting, not only with the potential to find something special but also to support a greater local mission.
Attic Window in Hartford City
Attic Window thrift stores are part of the Muncie Mission Ministries, Inc., which, according to their website, seeks to restore hope and dignity to those living in crisis situations.
Attic Window sells used clothing, shoes and accessories. Clothing is separated by men’s and women’s, and then further categorized by color. Additionally, the thrift store offers furniture, books and records, dishes and small electronics.
Jennifer Atkinson, sales associate at the Hartford City location, appreciates Attic Window’s close relationship with the surrounding community, explaining that their store is often the first one people go to for dropping off donations.
“We have such a wonderful, giving community,” Atkinson said. “Everybody here, if they’re not using it, they’re bringing it here. This is their first point of stop…They just always think of us, and I think it’s because of the friendly connections that we have.”
If people want to donate or visit their store, they are open from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday.
ReNEWed in Gas City
Similar to Attic Window, ReNEWed is a thrift store connected to a ministry: the Grant County Rescue Mission. Funds from thrift store purchases propel their mission of serving community members experiencing a variety of hardships.
In their Gas City location, shoppers can find bags and furniture to the right, and clothes, books, home decor, dishes and electronics to the left.
The store sees many visitors from Taylor and Indiana Wesleyan University, Abbey Ensley, utility sales clerk at ReNEWed in Gas City, said. She encourages these younger shoppers to keep coming back and take advantage of their 10% student discount. Additionally, ReNEWed offers monthly 50% off sales, which students can couple with their existing 10% off discount.
“It helps them (students) out and also helps us to clean out a little bit so that we can put more out,” Ensley said.
Therefore, secondhand buys are just around the corner at these two local thrift stores. And while thrifting may be considered a simple fashion trend, Atkinson encouraged people not to forget the heart behind thrift stores, especially those associated with broader ministries.
The rise in thrifting is good “as long as we don’t get away from connections,” she said. “It’s about other people. It’s about our ministry.”
