Thrifting, the act of buying used items, has become an increasingly popular trend in northern Nevada, as elsewhere, where consumers find popular brands and items for a fraction of normal new prices.
People of a variety of backgrounds go to secondhand shops to avoid fast fashion and become more eco-friendly.
“New clothing is so expensive, plus it helps me feel environmentally conscious,” said Izzie Cardoso, a twenty-year-old UNR student.
Others are trying to get good deals, or even make money by reselling their finds elsewhere.
Jorden Woods, another local, was doing her own rounds on a recent holiday Monday.
Her first stop was Savers on Kietzke Lane, where racks were filled with clothing for all ages and styles, for any occasion, whether it be business attire, loungewear, or new dresses for a first date.
A few blocks south, less than five minutes away from Savers, she then went to Goodwill on Oddie Blvd. This location is undoubtedly one of the larger thrift shops as it was easy to get lost in the racks of vintage clothing and Nevada gear. Just past the rack of clothes are household items that are perfect for students who need items for their dorm or new apartment.
“I love finding cool things and making a whole day out of thrifting,” Woods said of thrifting rather than visiting a mall.
“There’s a certain thrill of going through every rack to find hidden treasures.”
She then headed up north ito St.Vincent’s, in downtown Reno, where there are shelves with houseware, and a wide variety of items, from tricycles to gift little ones to vinyls for old record players.
A final stop she made was five minutes south, in Midtown, inside the busy Freestyle Clothing Exchange. While on the pricier side, the shop had an array of items from big labels such as Freepeople, Lululemon, Princess Polly, and Urban Outfitters.
At these different locations, there was a range of demographics, from families looking cash-strapped, to students who choose to shop secondhand to be able to be more creative.
There is also a hustle that comes with thrifting. It can be easy to find vintage or trendy items and be able to clean them up and resell for a higher price, making a profit, in some cases substantial.
Another frequent avid thrifter, 19-year-old student Kelsie Frobes was happy to recount a lucrative find. “I found a Chanel purse at UCP Thrift for $4 and sold it for over $4500! I used it to pay off my car,” she said.
In a society of mass-production, thrifting offers a fresh alternative to filling one’s closet. The thrifting community continues to embrace individuality, creativity, sustainability and occasional profits in their newfound treasures.