The Difference Between Consignment and Thrift Stores



Secondhand shopping is just as good for the environment as it is for your bank account—and just as good as it is for your closet. There are so many benefits to shopping at secondhand shops—you find unique pieces, you add some history to your closet, and you can refine your style in ways fast fashion stores cannot. For those hoping to reap the rewards of secondhand shopping, it’s important to first note the difference between consignment and thrift stores. Not all secondhand stores are alike—learn about those differences below!


Thrift Stores

There are tons of thrift stores across the states, and some work differently than others. Simply put, most thrift shops in the United States are donation-based, pulling from a charity or non-profit organization. So, for example, people donate clothes and home goods to a local non-profit donation organization, and then those donations are taken to the thrift shop.

These items can sometimes be a bit worse for wear, but usually, you will find great quality clothing for an affordable price.  Peruse the thrift stores in Destin, FL or any other thrift stores—you won’t regret it! The items donated are then sorted and priced by volunteers, and then sent to the floor for purchase. 

Consignment Stores

Consignment Stores are a bit different in that they keep buyers on staff. This means that people bring in their clothing donations to the store, and then these buyers sort through the pieces and determine if they are likely to sell well. 

So, a big difference between thrift and consignment shops is that consignment shops are a lot more selective and won’t take whatever you bring in to donate. Furthermore, consignment shops sell the items on behalf of the original owner. This means that the owner receives money from the store for the clothes they accept. 

Similar to thrift shops, there are tons of different consignment shops across the nation. Some will pay upfront, while others will take the items, price and sell them, and then pay out the original owner.


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