Some might consider them competitors, but six local nonprofit thrift stores have banded together to let people know that thrifting is built on a community mindset.
It all started with an offhand comment.
“An acquaintance expressed concern that competition among thrift stores could negatively affect her favorite shops,” said Kimber Huff-Wilk, executive director of Clothes Less Traveled in Peachtree City. “In that moment, the thought really crystallized for me that I don’t believe locally focused thrift shops are in competition with each other.”
Huff-Wilk began to wonder how local thrift shops could join forces. She started meeting with other thrift store leaders to discuss ways they could work together, and the desire for collaboration birthed a joint Thrift Fair in November and then a #ThriftFirst campaign.
Current participants include Clothes Less Traveled, A Better Way Bargains, and Wellspring Treasures in Peachtree City; 4Heroes Thrift Store in Tyrone; One Roof Thrift Store in Newnan; and Coco’s Closet Thrift Store in Gay.
“Wellspring is so excited to be a part of the #ThriftFirst campaign because it is a way to collaborate with other thrift stores and support each other to be successful,” said Leslie Dell, Store Manager of Wellspring Treasures. “Each thrift store has something they are supporting that is helping our community.”
The thrift stores participating in the campaign don’t perceive themselves as competitors but as partners working for the common good. As nonprofits, each store has a unique mission that helps a segment of the broader community, and with the increasing popularity of thrifting, they believe there is room for everyone in the local economy.
“The #ThriftFirst campaign is really about recognizing that thrifting at any local nonprofit thrift store is a win-win-win,” said Huff-Wilk. “By choosing to check out your neighborhood thrift store before purchasing an item online or buying from a big box store, you’re helping the environment, your pocketbook, and, most importantly, your community.”
The mission of Clothes Less Traveled is to support other community charities by giving grants to dozens of nonprofits based in Fayette and Coweta Counties. Clothes Less Traveled also has a scholarship program for student volunteers. Other participants in the #ThriftFirst campaign support causes such as human trafficking, addiction recovery, food insecurity, first responders, and animal welfare.
“Dedicated thrift shoppers love to visit multiple stores, and since each shop has a distinct mission, we’re all going to have loyal customers who love our particular way of giving back to the community,” said Huff-Wilk.
Thrifting as both a hobby and a lifestyle has become more popular in recent years with the increasing cultural focus on sustainability and conscious consumerism. The thrifting trend is especially popular among younger Millennials, who like to consider philanthropy a practice of small daily actions, and Gen Z consumers, who are increasingly concerned with reducing landfill waste caused by fast fashion and making environmentally friendly choices.
“Thrifting is a great way to support a cause. You can purchase items, donate items, and also help recycle material that otherwise would be added to waste,” said Ann Kerlin, director of One Roof Outreach. “It’s a fun way to contribute to community efforts, and you never know what you might find!”
Thrift stores help establish a larger circular economy, where goods are reused and repurposed instead of being discarded. Every time a consumer purchases an item from a thrift store, they are effectively recycling an item that would otherwise have gone to waste, and in doing so, conserving natural resources and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with the production of new products.
In addition, the hunt for one-of-a-kind items can add an element of excitement to the shopping experience, while supporting programs that benefit their towns and counties leads to positive feelings for consumers.
“Thrifting gives me an opportunity to shop sustainable and contribute to a mission that uplifts our community,” said Missy Roberts, marketing manager at the Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau and an avid thrifter.
Many people also find thrifting to be economically beneficial with the increased cost of living and inflation putting a strain on many households. Thrift stores have gently used and even new items from well-known brands for those willing to search.
And although Huff-Wilk cautions shoppers to remember that thrift stores also need to compensate for the rising costs of rent, utilities, insurance, and more, consumers can still find clothing, home goods, books, electronics, and furniture at a fraction of the cost of purchasing from a traditional retail store.
With its blend of affordability, sustainability, and community support, it’s no surprise that thrifting is becoming more popular.
If you’re interested in getting involved with the #ThriftFirst movement, consider shopping, donating, or even volunteering at one of your local thrift stores. You can show off your love of thrifting by requesting a #ThriftFirst sticker while supplies last at any of the stores participating in the campaign.
Operating hours and more details about the mission of each store participating in the campaign can be found on their respective websites: 4ourheroes.org, abwbargains.com, clotheslesstraveled.org, cocoscupboardinc.org/thrift-store, oneroofoutreach.org, and wellspringliving.org/retail.
