Is this the end of op-shopping? Shopper claims the prices of second-hand clothes are rising faster than the cost of living
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- Replies 46
There's no denying that shopping second-hand can save you a lot of money. In fact, it's one of the thriftiest things you can do! Whether you're shopping for clothes, furniture, or anything else, opting for second-hand items can help you keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket, especially now that the cost of living is on the rise.
That's why when one savvy shopper called out her local charity shop for its 'outrageous' high prices for its second-hand clothes, the internet was left gobsmacked.
In a recent TikTok video, Melbourne thrifter Jaclyn criticised op shops for charging 'ridiculous' amounts for 'supposedly-cheap' pre-owned clothing, claiming that since they are now charging heaps of dollars for the garments, savvy shoppers will most probably flock to fast fashion outlets like Kmart instead.
Jaclyn also noted that charity shops are now 'losing their enthusiasm' for bringing quality pieces for a lower cost to their customers.
Credit: TikTok/@jaclyn_snaps
She asks in the clip: 'Is anyone else getting completely over Australian thrift store prices these days and how they just charge an arm and a leg for absolutely everything?'
'I used to love the thrill of the hunt and finding a really special piece for a bargain price but it seems it's getting kind of impossible to do that now.'
The video then shows Jaclyn looking through the racks at her neighbourhood Savers, which featured affordable fast fashion labels like Shein and Zara but with prices as high as $60.
A thrifty shopper slammed her local charity shop for selling second-hand clothes from budget-friendly brands such as Shein and Zara for ‘outrageous’ prices. Credit: TikTok/@jaclyn_snaps.
'I think thrift stores need to take a step back and remember what they are. They aren't vintage stores, these pieces have all been donated to them,' she adds.
'I think if I'm going to be spending this kind of money, I might as well go to a proper vintage store where someone's taken the time to pick and curate a really special collection of clothing.'
The video has captured the attention of more than 40,900 social media users, with many expressing their displeasure with the price increases at their respective local second-hand shops.
One user said: 'This is a big reason why people turn to fast fashion instead of thrift stores because it's cheaper to go and buy 1/2.'
'Omg yes! I'm so over it. I'm not paying $90 for something second-hand and donated,' another shared.
A third chimed in: 'I feel the same way...Especially with food and petrol so expensive people are struggling and need help with clothing and furniture.'
One user from the US shared how Americans are experiencing the same issue with the charity shops there.
The American user's comment read: 'The US is doing this too! Goodwill is charging $9.99 for a $5 Walmart shirt.'
When you purchase second-hand clothing, you are meant to not only save money, but you are also helping to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills. It is estimated that the average person throws away about 23 kilograms of clothing per year. By purchasing second-hand clothing, you can help to reduce this waste.
That is why we understand the frustration of many savvy shoppers who were hoping to save a few dollars by opting for charity shops but instead faced high prices.
Do you shop at second-hand stores? Did your local thrift store increase prices too? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
That's why when one savvy shopper called out her local charity shop for its 'outrageous' high prices for its second-hand clothes, the internet was left gobsmacked.
In a recent TikTok video, Melbourne thrifter Jaclyn criticised op shops for charging 'ridiculous' amounts for 'supposedly-cheap' pre-owned clothing, claiming that since they are now charging heaps of dollars for the garments, savvy shoppers will most probably flock to fast fashion outlets like Kmart instead.
Jaclyn also noted that charity shops are now 'losing their enthusiasm' for bringing quality pieces for a lower cost to their customers.
Credit: TikTok/@jaclyn_snaps
She asks in the clip: 'Is anyone else getting completely over Australian thrift store prices these days and how they just charge an arm and a leg for absolutely everything?'
'I used to love the thrill of the hunt and finding a really special piece for a bargain price but it seems it's getting kind of impossible to do that now.'
The video then shows Jaclyn looking through the racks at her neighbourhood Savers, which featured affordable fast fashion labels like Shein and Zara but with prices as high as $60.
A thrifty shopper slammed her local charity shop for selling second-hand clothes from budget-friendly brands such as Shein and Zara for ‘outrageous’ prices. Credit: TikTok/@jaclyn_snaps.
'I think thrift stores need to take a step back and remember what they are. They aren't vintage stores, these pieces have all been donated to them,' she adds.
'I think if I'm going to be spending this kind of money, I might as well go to a proper vintage store where someone's taken the time to pick and curate a really special collection of clothing.'
The video has captured the attention of more than 40,900 social media users, with many expressing their displeasure with the price increases at their respective local second-hand shops.
One user said: 'This is a big reason why people turn to fast fashion instead of thrift stores because it's cheaper to go and buy 1/2.'
'Omg yes! I'm so over it. I'm not paying $90 for something second-hand and donated,' another shared.
A third chimed in: 'I feel the same way...Especially with food and petrol so expensive people are struggling and need help with clothing and furniture.'
One user from the US shared how Americans are experiencing the same issue with the charity shops there.
The American user's comment read: 'The US is doing this too! Goodwill is charging $9.99 for a $5 Walmart shirt.'
When you purchase second-hand clothing, you are meant to not only save money, but you are also helping to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills. It is estimated that the average person throws away about 23 kilograms of clothing per year. By purchasing second-hand clothing, you can help to reduce this waste.
That is why we understand the frustration of many savvy shoppers who were hoping to save a few dollars by opting for charity shops but instead faced high prices.
Do you shop at second-hand stores? Did your local thrift store increase prices too? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!