Thrifting in New York City is not for the faint of heart. You want that Stussy Mask Jacquard Sherpa? Be prepared to dig through racks. How about a gently used vintage leather jacket? Get ready to sort through all 50 options.
But thrifting — as time-consuming as it can be — is having a moment in New York City. Owners of used clothing stores across the city say demand began to tick up around 2021. Photos of Bella Hadid, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna snapped at various thrift stores across the city have helped the trend along since then.
Thrift store owners say two forces are driving the demand: TikTok influencers who have spotlighted the city’s thrift stores as well as a desire by consumers of all ages — but especially Gen Z — to make eco-friendly choices.
“There’s a greater consciousness of consumers and awareness that global warming is real,” said Alexis Krase, owner of Plus Bklyn, a thrift store in Williamsburg.
She said many of her customers are bothered by what they see as waste in fashion and are gravitating toward “more secondhand and slow fashion things that are more ethically produced.”
If you’re curious about getting started in thrifting, or want to know what’s selling, here’s a list of popular thrift stores in the city and some of their most coveted items.
Cardigans are popular items at Cure Thrift Shop in the East Village.
Courtesy of Cure Thrift Shop
Cure Thrift Shop (East Village)
Liz Wolff launched Cure Thrift a little over 15 years ago and has observed a shift in peoples’ attitudes toward buying used clothing.
“With social media, it’s become cool to post that they’re in thrift shops,” she said.
Wolff said vintage knits, cardigans and pullover sweaters have been flying off the racks.
Used luxury brands like Bottega Veneta, vintage Gucci and vintage Prada are also in high demand; those brands don’t stay in the store long before they get bought up.
The biggest trend Wolff has noticed? Customers want Y2K-era items, such as chunky heels, small…
Read the full article here
