HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As Hawaii families grapple with higher prices, a shopping strategy is gaining popularity.
Local thrift stores are seeing more customers searching for bargains.
Inflation is forcing many consumers to stretch their budgets, making thrifting an appealing option for those who don’t want to sacrifice style.
So while thrift stores like Goodwill have long been places where people donate things they don’t want or need anymore, they’ve also become popular destinations in the tough economy.
“You can’t beat the price,” said Nora Nakamura, who says she’s been donating to and shopping at thrift stores for more than 30 years. She enjoys the hunt for bargains and vintage styles.
“It’s just like looking for treasures.”
For those who don’t have time to shop in person, e-commerce has made it easier to buy secondhand, whether it’s through a nonprofit, small business or website like Primark, Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You can even find designer and high-end items at shopgoodwill.com/hawaii.
Thrifting has become so trendy, Goodwill hosts an annual fashion show “Goodwill Goes GLAM!” devoted to styling second hand finds. The next show is July 18, followed by a public sale at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
“What was cool maybe 20 years ago is now back in style,” said Kelley Cho, Goodwill spokesperson. “Something that you would give to another friend like maybe you don’t use it anymore, but it’s not something that you will just trash because it’s still in good condition.”
And it makes sense. More than 40% of consumers bought something used in 2023, saving as much as 35%.
And it’s not just clothing, but everything from electronics to cookware to toys.
“People that may not have been in a thrift store might be surprised to find that we have actually a really great selection of home goods,” Cho said.
For even deeper discounts, look for the “Color Tag of the Week” to get 50% off items that haven’t sold. You can also sign up for the loyalty program for a 5% discount, shop on $1.99 Mondays or sift through the Goodwill bins at the Mapunapuna outlet.
For many thrifters, money isn’t the only thing worth saving.
“We’re giving somebody’s unwanted or unused things a second life, and somebody else is doing that, and really helping to keep unnecessarily things in the landfill,” Cho said.
Sustainability is the main mission for Harbors Vintage thrift store — which curates pre-loved local labels and hosts a monthly marketplace. Its next Harbors Market is on Saturday, April 13, from 4-8 p.m.
And while there used to be a stigma around hand-me downs, social media has made it cool to be thrifty.
“Before, it was like, Oh, you’re wearing like this designer stuff. Like it looks so cool. But now it’s like, oh, I thrifted this, or I found this for like a really good price. And it’s like, that’s kind of cool how it changed, like the perspective of people to be like, I don’t have to spend a lot of money to look cool,” said Brock Cunningham, Harbors Vintage sales associate and a long time thrifter.
The YWCA hosts a monthly pop-up thrift event called the “Dress for Success benefit sale,” which funds its employment support programs for nearly 500 women. Items are sourced from hundreds of donations it receives.
The next sale is on Wednesday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the second floor gym at the YWCA Laniakea, 1040 Richards St. For more information, email dfsh@ywcaoahu.org or call (808) 695-2603.
Dresses are priced at $10, while tops, shoes and bags cost $5. All bottoms — from pants to skirts — costs $1.
“It’s kind of a win win, right? Everybody’s able to get reasonable stuff. People feel good about where their donations are going, contributing to the sustainability, you know, and then everybody gets the services that they need,” said Stephanie Hamano, YWCA Director of Economic Advancement Programs.
Here are some tips for the first-time thrifter:
- Take your time. You may have to rummage through a lot of pieces before you find something you like.
- Check the label. Look for brand names and high-end labels. Note where the item was made.
- Shop on discount days.
- Visit different thrift shops.
Whether you’re budget-conscious, earth conscious or community conscious — whatever your reason — it pays to be thrifty.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
