The Importance of Thrift
Why you should consider supporting second-hand shops.
Maichina Veri, January 13, 2023 // Brantford, Ontario
Re-Source Thrift Shop located at 320 North Park St. Staff photo.
There are steps that can be taken to counter the sting of rising prices, climate change and community pain. One way to combat these issues is by supporting your local thrift or consignment store. With nearly a dozen various shops throughout the city, there are options to find not only what you need and want, but also to offer support to the community.
The benefits of thrifting include helping those on a budget find more affordable items, reducing our carbon foot print and supporting community whether through giving back or by purchasing from stores that donate funds to help others. There are other positive outcomes to thrifting as well, such as the “thrill of the hunt” and the ways in which you can get creative with anything from your wardrobe to DIY repurposing projects.
It's time to think about thrifting. Staff photo.
Some area shops target specific markets such as The Brantford Bookworm (pre-loved books), Peekaboo It’s Almost New (children’s items) and Plato’s Closet (brand name clothing), while others offer everything from clothing and furniture to kitchen items and electronics.
Whatever you’re looking for, intentionally or not, there is bound to be something for you in a second-hand shop.
What is your favourite local second-hand shop? Your greatest find? Your reason for thrifting? Let us know in the comments below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maichina Veri is a writer based in Brantford, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Montreal’s Concordia University and has a background in Journalism – Print from Niagara College.