Steve Clark

Many consider “shop ‘til you drop” a philosophy of life. By the end of the 1990s – the golden years of shopping – shoppers were scooping up about 65 garments per person annually. Who doesn’t love a good sale? Changing trends, new manufacturing technologies and low prices prompted many American to indulge in “fast fashion” and over-consume clothing, but then the tide turned. Two recessions led many people to rethink their need for a closet full of new clothes. For some, conscious consumerism had supplanted the philosophy of overconsumption and many people started shopping less. Not everyone curbed their over consumptive fashionable ways, though. Eighteen years later and on average, consumers purchase 60 percent more items of clothing than they did in 2000, however, each garment is kept half as long. Many used garments end up in landfills – the average American throws away about 70 pounds of clothing each year – this is roughly the equivalent of 191 t-shirts per person – and ...

Shopping today takes many forms. Aside from the usual shopping centers and online websites, one trend that has re-emerged on the scene is thrift store shopping. Thrift stores first became popular in the late 19th century, when clothes were seen as more disposable due to mass production. 1. It Saves You Money People with limited financial resources often shop at thrift stores to stretch their budgets. Frugal living is always a good idea. It is always helpful to practice frugality, whenever possible. Why pay the full price for a new item if you can get one at a thrift store at a steep discount. With thrift store shopping, you can get many pieces and still save a whole lot more! 2. It Supports Charities Most thrift shops are operated by charitable or non-profit groups. Local churches, schools, hospitals, and even rehab centers often have resale stores to support their causes. While you can donate items to show your support, you can help them even more by buying the...