GOODS STORES have traditionally been a way to pick up donated items for a fraction of their original cost.
But some shoppers say they no longer buy second-hand clothes bought for charity, claiming they are “ridiculously expensive” and that it is cheaper to shop at Primark.
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This is because Gen-Z buyers increasingly prefer second-hand websites such as Depop and Vinted, along with flea markets, to click to affordable outfits.
A number of young consumers are complaining on social media about the high prices in thrift stores.
Anna, who posts under @thecharityshopqueen, has uploaded a number of videos into charity shops criticising their ‘bold prices’.
In a store she found a fast fashion dress from Boohoo that cost £17, when it cost £22 new.
Anna was shocked and said, “How can they justify that?”
She was also unimpressed with a pair of orange heeled sandals for £14, when they cost £25 new. She added: “I’d rather pay that amount and not have someone else’s stinking feet in those sandals.”
The thrift store expert said £5 would have been more reasonable.
In another video she was astonished when a charity shop said they didn’t sell anything for less than £8, not even H&M items.
Anna isn’t the only one who has been critical of thrift store prices lately.
Bargain hunter Hope Bailey challenged shops in Manchester, saying: “Why are charity shops so expensive?”
She held up a belt and said, “£10 for this belt, that’s a whole hour’s work.”
Influencer Lilly Whitfield, who lives in London, said: ‘Can someone tell me why charity shops are getting so expensive?
“I am fully aware that we are in a cost of living crisis, I get it… I have been shopping at thrift stores since I was little because my mother couldn’t afford toys and clothes.
“I just don’t understand why these charity shops are suddenly asking for so much money money for items that are not even of such high quality.
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Top tips for thrift stores to score bargains
Ross Dutton has been Crisis’ charity shop manager for four years and currently runs the charity’s Finsbury Park store in London.
Choose your area – Generally speaking, the more upscale the neighborhood, the better the quality of the donated clothing.
Don’t get stuck – If you see something you like, buy it because it will probably be sold out when you come back
Beware of cut labels – Some of your favourite high street shops have deals with local charity shops to donate stock that doesn’t sell in their own sales. Often part of the deal is that they have to cut the labels off the clothes.
Stay at home – While some charities have their own site, such as Oxfam and Crisis. Many also sell through specialist eBay stores, such as the British Heart Foundation and Scope. You won’t get the range of bargains you would in a physical store, but if you’re looking for something specific it might be worth looking online.
“I just want to start the conversation because… I just noticed that the prices are getting ridiculously high.”
Many people have embraced X, formerly known as Twitterto participate in the debate.
One of them said, “Since when did thrift stores become so expensive?”
A second added: “Cheap stores have become more expensive, strangely enough.”
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