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Discover The Joy of National Thrift Shop Day

  • Writer: Dylanna Fisher
    Dylanna Fisher
  • Aug 14, 2024
  • 4 min read

Do you love thrifting over the weekend? Then you’ll love these tunes to shop the day away on National Thrift Shop Day!

Introduction To National Thrift Shop Day

Every year, on August 17, people celebrate National Thrift Shop Day. It’s more than just a day to score great deals on unique finds – it’s an opportunity to support local thrift shops and contribute to charitable organizations that help those in need. Thrift shops play a vital role in communities, striving to assist the most vulnerable and create a positive impact.

used things on cabinet in thrift store
Photo by cotton-bro studio on

How To Give Back and Where to Give Back To

Thrift shops generally fall into two categories: not-for-profit and for-profit. Understanding the difference can help you make an informed decision when deciding where to donate or shop.

Not-for-profit Thrift Shops: These establishments operate to support charitable causes. Donations and purchases contribute directly to funding programs and services for the community. Consider supporting not-for-profit thrift shops when you want your contribution to make a meaningful impact on social causes.

For-profit Thrift Stores: Next are for-profit thrift stores. While they also sell second-hand items, for-profit thrift stores operate with a profit motive. However, some for-profit thrift stores collaborate with charities or contribute some of their proceeds to local initiatives. If you’re looking for a mix of affordability and potential charitable impact, these stores can be a viable choice.

Fun Facts About Thrift Shops and Thrift Stores

Shopping Reasons: Everyone has their reasons for thrift shopping. Consumers are motivated to thrift shop by self-oriented factors (such as treasure hunting and seeking name-brand products) and others-oriented factors (such as responsible citizenship). (Journal of Global Fashion Marketing)

Hidden Treasures: Thrift shops are treasure troves filled with unique and often vintage items waiting to be discovered. You never know what gems you might find, from retro clothing to antique furniture. (Martha Stewart)

Eco-Friendly Fashion: Thrift stores respond to overproduction, consumption, social inequality, and ecological degradation. Thrift shopping is budget-friendly and eco-friendly by giving pre-loved items a new home. (Petra Kuppinger)

Pop Culture Impact: Thrift shops have influenced popular culture, inspiring songs, movies, and fashion trends. Did you know that Macklemore’s hit song “Thrift Shop” skyrocketed in popularity, becoming an anthem for bargain hunters? (Refinery 29)

Canadian Thrifting Insights: A recent survey by PayPal Canada reveals that Canadians have an average of $571 worth of unused items they could sell. With 85% of Canadians participating in the second-hand economy valued at $28.5 billion, it proves that thrifting is a significant trend. (CTV)

Increasing Popularity: Thrift stores are here to stay, and that’s a fact. The thrift store market is expected to reach $14.2 billion by 2023. Moreover, the global second-hand apparel market is expected to grow by 98.31% by 2027. Currently, around 16-18% of Americans shop at thrift stores. (Online Dasher)

A Resource for Rising Living Costs: Canadians are buying more second-hand furniture due to rising living costs. Sustainability concerns and the prohibitive cost of modern furniture drive this. With inflation and the cost of living increasing, buying used furniture is an effective way to save money and meet long-term savings goals. (National Post)

Thrifting Is Popular in Canada: 85% of Canadians participate in a second-hand economy valued at $28.5 billion. The second-hand economy—buying, selling, renting, exchanging, or donating goods—was valued at $28.5 billion in 2017, or 1.34 percent of Canada’s GDP. (Chartered Professional Accountants Canada)

Thrift Shop Music Playlist

No celebration is complete without music, and National Thrift Shop Day is no exception. Here’s a playlist of thrift shop-themed songs to enhance your shopping experience.

“Vintage” Covered By Jonah Baker, Originally By High Dive Heart

“Second Hand Store,” Originally by Leah Bell Faser

“Second Hand Store” Originally By Joe Walsh

As you embark on your thrift shopping adventure, let these tunes set the perfect backdrop for your treasure hunt.

Concluding Thoughts

National Thrift Shop Day celebrates community, sustainability, and giving back. So, mark your calendar, gather your friends, and join the festivities on August 17. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or a first-timer, there’s something for everyone in thrift shopping. Sometimes it’s great to just have a vibe while you’re vibing at a thrift shop.

Further reading

Get Further Reading into the second-hand market and more thrifting fun facts.

women looking at the clothes in the wooden box
Photo by cotton-bro studio on

Then this scholarly article examines circular business models in fashion retail, focusing on thrift shopping. The authors discuss potential innovations within the industry’s circular economy, making it a valuable read for those interested in sustainable fashion and business.

Next, his academic paper explores the sustainable consumption of used clothing and the purchase intentions of shoppers at thrift stores. The study continues on and provides insights into the motivations and behaviours of individuals engaging in second-hand fashion, offering valuable information for those interested in the environmental and consumer aspects of thrift shopping.

Within this report covers mobile marketing trends and explores second-hand fashion on page 101. It provides insights into how these intersect, making it a valuable read for marketing enthusiasts and professionals.

person holding clothes hanger with clothes
Photo by cotton-bro studio on

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