I read via the Consumerist that Americans are spending a lot less these days. With the economy on the rocks and the word "recession" slipping from economists’ lips, it’s understandable that consumers are nervous about their financial future.
I wonder, though, whether an economic recession would be enough to make people overcome shopping prejudices. I’m speaking specifically about many people’s dislike of second-hand clothing stores. Will Americans just buy fewer clothes this year to save money, or will we see a change of heart and a surge in the number of consignment and thrift store shoppers?
We can only hope there won’t be a surge in thrift store shoppers. Then, where would WE be??
I really don’t understand why people would have something against used clothes — all else being equal. I’ve worn a lot of consignment and thrift store clothes and I certainly don’t think there’s anything “gross” about it.
That said, I don’t do a lot of thrift/consignment store shopping. Most of the stuff around here was low quality to begin with and looks way past it’s prime.
According to the comments I read, there are plenty of people who aren’t so much against used clothes as they just don’t like the experience of shopping in thrift stores.
Of course, I fail to see how a typical thrift store is any different in layout and organization from, say, TJ Maxx. But then maybe these same people don’t do discount stores, either.
And I guess it really does depend on where you live. I’m lucky enough to be in a small town with a good-sized wealthy population, so our thrift and consignment stores get good stuff.
There was a great article at Slate about how people’s expenditures on “visible goods” including clothes, is very tied to their income relative to their neighbors. Basically, the more homogeneous the neighborhood, the more people spend (not worth trying to keep up with the Joneses if they are way richer).
I think people will continue to pay top dollar for whatever the fashion industry produces, just as a signal that they can afford to do so. Meanwhile, at least the rest of us are in a better position than 15 years ago, when there was no Target etc. selling plain staples at reasonable prices.
At least people should start shopping at Ross or Marshalls instead of Macy’s and Nordstrom. I know my family has.
what a delightfully interesting site thanks for sharing (:)
Love to visit ~~
I think people will continue to pay top dollar for whatever the fashion industry produces, just as a signal that they can afford to do so.