The rise of sustainable living and conscious consumerism has led to a surge in popularity of thrift shopping, with many individuals turning to second-hand stores as a more environmentally friendly and budget-friendly way to buy clothes. However, the trend is shifting, with a growing demand for authentic pre-loved designer pieces, making it easier for thrifters to find high-quality, unique items. According to Trade Me’s latest Circular Economy report, the country’s second-hand market has grown significantly, with sales reaching $5.5 billion in the last year, representing a half-billion-dollar increase. This growth is attributed to the increasing awareness of the environmental and social impact of fast fashion, as well as the growing demand for sustainable and responsible consumption. As a result, thrifters are no longer just looking for cheap, fast fashion; they’re seeking high-quality, pre-loved items that not only fit their budgets but also align with their values. One thrift shopper, Amanda Hohneck, has turned her passion into a small online business, selling pre-loved clothing on her Instagram page, Min’s Closet. Hohneck, who comes from a family where second-hand clothes were often passed down, has always been drawn to the thrill of the hunt. “I’ve always loved op shopping,” she says. “There’s something special about finding a hidden gem, a piece that’s still got so much life left in it.”
With a keen eye for quality and a passion for spotting unique pieces, Hohneck carefully curates her finds, often scouring local thrift stores, markets, and community sales to source the best pieces. “My best finds come from a mix of sources – local thrift stores, markets, community sales, and sometimes even from my own closet,” she explains. But Hohneck’s approach to thrift shopping is not just about finding cheap deals; it’s about value, material, durability, and quality. She seeks out pieces that are well-made, timeless, and align with her personal style. “A well-made piece that lasts, a designer find for a fraction of the cost, or a timeless style that’s still on-trend, that’s what I call a true bargain,” she says. For Hohneck, thrift shopping is not just about saving money; it’s about reducing waste, lowering the carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable living. “People are waking up to the real impact of fast fashion,” she notes. “With social media, more people are seeing how cool and creative secondhand fashion can be.”
As a result, the demand for authentic pre-loved designer pieces has skyrocketed, with many thrifters seeking out high-quality, unique items that not only fit their budgets but also align with their values. But what makes a good bargain? According to Hohneck, it’s not just about price; it’s about value, material, durability, and quality. To Hohneck, every pre-loved piece has a story, and she loves being part of its next chapter. Plus, the creativity of styling vintage or secondhand items in a fresh way makes fashion way more fun than just grabbing something off a rack. The Little Big Events director, Rachelle Duffy, notes that the Thrifted Finds market in Mount Maunganui is growing in popularity, with sales reaching new heights. “Thrifted Finds is a go-to destination for vintage shopping and thrifting, and our markets have been selling out,” she says. The changing of seasons is also a perfect time for a wardrobe clear-out, and the Thrifted Finds market is the perfect place for thrifters to rent a clothing rack and sell their pre-loved fashion. “We have a fun and relaxed atmosphere, and our customers are always enthusiastic and eager to find some great deals,” Duffy says. As for Hohneck’s top five thrifting tips, they are:
* **Try on everything**. Sizes vary wildly and look different on a hanger or on someone else. The label may say 12, but it fits a modern 8 or 14. * **Let pieces jump out at you and feel the fabric first**. Run your hands along the racks. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, and wool will often stand out. Ask yourself: Will this feel good on? If it suits your style and feels like “you” it’s worth a closer look. * **Check every section**. Don’t limit yourself to just one area! Men’s, kids, and even homewares often hide gems. Oversized knits, jackets, tees, belts… you never know where gold will pop up. * **Inspect it, and imagine the wear**. Check seams, zips, buttons, and underarms. Then ask: Can I wear this at least three different ways? Will I wear it more than three times? If it’s a yes, into the cart it goes. * **Go often**. There’s no magic time. Op shops restock all the time. Even a quick 15-minute browse on your lunch break can uncover something amazing. Make it a little ritual! The demand for sustainable and responsible fashion is on the rise, and thrift shopping is playing a significant role in this trend. As the world becomes more conscious of its environmental and social impact, individuals are turning to second-hand shopping as a more sustainable and budget-friendly option. Thrift shopping is not just about finding cheap deals; it’s about value, material, durability, and quality. It’s about reducing waste, lowering the carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable living. With the growing demand for authentic pre-loved designer pieces, thrifters are no longer just looking for cheap, fast fashion; they’re seeking high-quality, pre-loved items that not only fit their budgets but also align with their values. As the trend continues to grow, it’s clear that thrift shopping is here to stay, and it’s an opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact on the environment and the fashion industry.
**Thrift Shopping Tips**
- Try on everything
- Let pieces jump out at you and feel the fabric first
- Check every section
- Inspect it, and imagine the wear
- Go often
**Upcoming Event: Thrifted Finds**
| Event | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Thrifted Finds | May 25 and August 3 | Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui |
With the growing demand for sustainable and responsible fashion, thrift shopping is playing a significant role in this trend.
As the world becomes more conscious of its environmental and social impact, individuals are turning to second-hand shopping as a more sustainable and budget-friendly option.
Thrift shopping is not just about finding cheap deals; it’s about value, material, durability, and quality.
It’s about reducing waste, lowering the carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable living.
With the growing demand for authentic pre-loved designer pieces, thrifters are no longer just looking for cheap, fast fashion; they’re seeking high-quality, pre-loved items that not only fit their budgets but also align with their values.
As the trend continues to grow, it’s clear that thrift shopping is here to stay, and it’s an opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact on the environment and the fashion industry.
“I’ve always loved op shopping. There’s something special about finding a hidden gem, a piece that’s still got so much life left in it.”
According to Trade Me’s latest Circular Economy report, the country’s second-hand market has grown significantly, with sales reaching $5.5 billion in the last year, representing a half-billion-dollar increase.
This growth is attributed to the increasing awareness of the environmental and social impact of fast fashion, as well as the growing demand for sustainable and responsible consumption.
As a result, thrifters are no longer just looking for cheap, fast fashion; they’re seeking high-quality, pre-loved items that not only fit their budgets but also align with their values.
One thrift shopper, Amanda Hohneck, has turned her passion into a small online business, selling pre-loved clothing on her Instagram page, Min’s Closet.
Hohneck, who comes from a family where second-hand clothes were often passed down, has always been drawn to the thrill of the hunt.
“There’s something special about finding a hidden gem, a piece that’s still got so much life left in it,” she says.
With a keen eye for quality and a passion for spotting unique pieces, Hohneck carefully curates her finds, often scouring local thrift stores, markets, and community sales to source the best pieces.
“My best finds come from a mix of sources – local thrift stores, markets, community sales, and sometimes even from my own closet,” she explains.
But Hohneck’s approach to thrift shopping is not just about finding cheap deals; it’s about value, material, durability, and quality.
“A well-made piece that lasts, a designer find for a fraction of the cost, or a timeless style that’s still on-trend, that’s what I call a true bargain,” she says.
For Hohneck, thrift shopping is not just about saving money; it’s about reducing waste, lowering the carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable living.
“People are waking up to the real impact of fast fashion,” she notes. “With social media, more people are seeing how cool and creative secondhand fashion can be.”
As a result, the demand for authentic pre-loved designer pieces has skyrocketed, with many thrifters seeking out high-quality, unique items that not only fit their budgets but also align with their values.
But what makes a good bargain?
