Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Explore the world of secondhand fashion and how it can help you save money and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
What Keeps You Away From Secondhand Fashion Shopping?
I wanted to write about how secondhand fashion and other products we’ve bought from thrift stores helped us save money.
We’ve heard it all about secondhand shopping, but you know what? We don’t care, frugal living will be around our house long.
When people ask if we have a mortgage and I say no, they first ask me how you paid it off so fast.
It’s not just one thing that helped us burn our mortgage. It’s a mixture of frugal living strategies.
Every bit of money you can save in your budget means you can direct it to another debt you need to pay if you have any.
Secondhand Fashion Is The New Normal
My wife has been laughed at for shopping for secondhand fashion because they think we shouldn’t need to shop there.
These people are probably deep in debt and do nothing about it.
We don’t sit around for money to fall in our laps to score some secondhand fashion and just about everything we can find in thrift shopping.
One of the main reasons that secondhand fashion is becoming the new norm is less money.
- Not enough money in the budget
- Covid-19 has significantly affected the Canadian industry, meaning less income.
- They finally figured out that secondhand fashion is excellent.
- Financial Education is all about saving money, making money, and learning how to build their income
- They enjoy shopping secondhand fashion even though they can afford retail.
Secondhand Fashion To Save Budget Money
Why Should You Buy Second-hand Fashion?
I’m 110% in agreement that Canadians should shop at secondhand clothing shops for clothes and household items, beauty, etc.
If your budget is too close for comfort and you’re running short, you must reconsider trying to rework your budget, removing or lowering costs in other categories.
Is second-hand fashion booming?
With so many people not working, laid off, low-income, or even people with high income, are on board for the environment and to save more money.
Anyone can shop at secondhand stores, and I bet they will find something they never thought they’d find so cheap.
I know I’ve done that a few times with T-shirts as I only buy them second-hand as I never can find jeans that fit me.
For those, I will shop at Marks Work Warehouse as they typically have jeans on sale which is perfect for me.
Name Brand Clothing vs. No-Name Brand
We won’t walk away whenever we find brand-name clothing that still has the tags on or is in fabulous condition for $5 compared to $30.
When we shop for second-hand clothing, we all look for something we require for less than retail.
We all like second-hand stores, especially when we find deals that make us feel like we were on a scavenger hunt.
On the other hand, it doesn’t just have to be name-brand clothing, as we’ve bought many no-names without issue.
The idea of looking for secondhand fashion is to inspect what you are buying from top to bottom.
Not all thrift stores like Goodwill will allow a return, but Value Village will.
This is a massive perk for most people going to Value Village as they will offer you in-store credit.
That’s good enough for me, especially since I buy clothing for our son, and sometimes it does not fit him.
Environmentally Savvy
Buying secondhand fashion is earth-friendly, keeping as many clothes out of the landfill in your city.
Each time we visit a second-hand clothing store, it’s like hunting for some amazing deals.
For us, both the environment and finding a fantastic deal is what it’s about.
Secondhand Fashion Clothing For Kids
Since our son was born, we always bought his clothing at secondhand fashion stores because he grows like a weed.
Although we were given used baby clothing by friends, there wasn’t much as my wife had no baby shower.
We’d buy his shirts, shorts, pants, jeans, jackets, and shoes and outdoor and indoor secondhand fashion we found.
I’d suggest that parents check out secondhand fashion before buying new.
Charity Donations
Not all secondhand stores give to charity, but we often look through their store first for those that do.
Sometimes, you must do what you must for your family whether the store gives to charity or not.
For example, Goodwill often offers 50% off daily, which is a considerable savings if you have the time to stand in line.
Being frugal with budget categories saves you money which should be your primary concern.
Once debt-free, you can still shop at secondhand fashion stores as we do.
It’s important to have your expenses written down in a budget.
I haven’t bought clothing at a retail store alone in years, and that’s how I like it.
Popular Second-hand Clothing Stores In Ontario
Shopping at Value Village used to be our favorite shop with fantastic prices and 50% off deals.
However, over the years, the prices have gotten out of hand, so we rarely ever donate to non-profits.
However, many people still like Value Village for second-hand thrift shopping as they find bargains worth purchasing.
We also visit the other shops only because they are close to us and going downtown is a misery.
Value Village 
Thrift Store – The Salvation Army
We haven’t been to the Thrift Store for a while but also take a trip to see what we can find for clothing.
The Salvation Army in Canada owns and operates all Salvation Army Thrift Stores and has done so for more than 100 years.
In urban communities across Canada, the majority of Thrift Stores are overseen by The Salvation Army National Recycling Operations (NRO).
Those not operated by NRO are overseen by Salvation Army ministries such as the local church or Family Services.
By shopping and donating at The Salvation Army Thrift Store, you help give and support The Salvation Army’s programs, services and emergency relief efforts that nurture the capabilities, skills and strengths of our neighbours and friends.
Our son is growing tall so fast and will be in and out of clothes in a few months.
Since he’s so tall, some clothing fits him and others are too short, so second-hand clothing shops offer the best deals.
The Salvation Army, General Booth responded to social concerns in the 19th century by creating an organization designed to meet the needs of all humans without discrimination. In response to the need for jobs and affordable merchandise, coupled with the fear of disease and a desire to preserve the land,
Goodwill Secondhand Clothing
At the Goodwill, the last time we were there, we were told no returns were available, but that might have changed.
I can’t find any info on their website that they have a return policy, but if they do, send it to me, and I’ll update this.
Of textiles donated to us, we estimate less than 5 per cent finds its way to a local landfill, the remainder are sold in our Thrift Store or recycled with ethical recycling suppliers with proceeds supporting those in need.
These suppliers are able to recycle the textiles to be used carpet padding and even upholstery stuffing.
As frugal living shoppers, we can say that Goodwill has some of the best deals or Mission Thrift Stores
Missions Thrift Store
You’ll find some great deals at the Missions Thrift Store, including manager deals, and you can now shop online.
Missions Thrift Store is a volunteer-driven, non-denominational Christian organization operating more than 50 thrift stores across Canada.
These secondhand fashion, household items, and just about everything to fill a house with decor, all at fabulous prices.
Talize
This was a secondhand clothing store we found while we were in Hamilton, and every time we go, we visit Talize
The store is immaculate and clean, and they have daily manager sales, which we love. Bibles for Missions does this as well.
Talize is a proudly Canadian owned and operated for-profit retailer.
We’re passionate about Sustainable Fashion because we know the best things in life are special, loved and reused!
That means offering unbeatable prices on brand names, designer fashions, accessories, leather goods, footwear, housewares, books, toys and more – all while contributing to the health and sustainability of our planet.
Talize was the only secondhand clothing store where I quickly found a Talize return policy, whereas the others I did not.
Church Community Offerings
I’m sure there are more out there especially secondhand clothing stores that are smaller and independent.
Consignment Stores are still happening; you offer your clothing, and it sells, so you get a portion of the sale.
If you’re short of money, you can find out which churches in your community can help you with clothing.
Online Secondhand Clothing Shopping
Two days ago, I discovered that Goodwill and Talize are now selling items online due to COVID-19.
At first, I thought that was great, and my second thought was, holy smokes, the charity shops are loaded with items.
In addition to selling items in our Goodwill Community Stores, Bookstores, Boutiques and Outlet, bargain hunters can find several specialty and unique items available through our online listings and auctions.
I feel that online shopping is the first place most Canadians are going to because of COVID-19, and most brick-and-mortar stores are closed.
It was pretty cool to see that Goodwill started online shopping to keep the window open for people who rely on secondhand.
Discussion: Why else would people shop for secondhand fashion instead of retail?
Please leave me your comments below.
