Bonjour mes amies! If you are reading this, you are a thrifter (or super supportive of my content.) While the levels of thrifting vary, there are those who thrift for sport and those who thrift when they feel inspired. Either for sport or a random stop, there is no denying the price of merchandise at thrift stores has increased tremendously.

I have shared via beaucoup vintage blogs and vlogs how and why I thrifted as a child. I can assure you, being caught or sharing that your clothes were thrifted then was NOT en vogue. Which is why being on Fox 5 to discuss the fabulousness of thrifting was such a surreal moment (click here to watch “From Teased to TV vlog.)

Just last year (I truly could’ve said last week, mais this sounds more dramatic), I was thrifting, and I saw a fabuleux coat in the Salvation Army for $59.99. Oui, you read that right!

The skyrocketing prices at thrift stores are not to be confused with vintage and consignment shops. Do you know the difference? If not, click here.

Thrift stores, also known as secondhand or charity shops, typically sell used items at lower prices compared to new items. There are beaucoup reasons why this isn’t necessarily the case anymore, but here are a few reasons why prices at thrift stores are more expensive now:

1. Increased popularity: Thrift store shopping (thrifting) has gained popularity in recent years greatly due to social media, content creation, environmental concerns, and a desire for unique or vintage items. This increased demand has driven prices up as thrift stores capitalize on the trend.

2. Improved curation: Some thrift stores have begun curating their inventory more carefully to offer higher-quality and sought-after items. This additional effort in selecting and sorting items has resulted in slightly higher prices. Think about the times when you are thrifting, and you see “designer” and designer items being stored behind the cash register. Even if the store is not well curated, as a thrifter of over vingt-ans, I can tell you that having items sorted by category is a trés grand deal.

3. Operational costs: Thrift stores have operational expenses such as rent, utilities, and staffing. Real estate of all sorts has reached ridiculous prices; when you couple that with the size of most thrift stores (especially in the States), that alone can explain the higher costs of goods. As someone who engages avec anyone I make contact with, employees of multiple thrift stores have shared that their salaries (may have) increased, but many are still not earning a livable wage. This higher (yet still low pay) coupled with the dangerous working environment many thrift stores employees operate in, continues to reiterate my stance on NOT donating junk to charity shops (click here to read a vintage blog on the subject, and here to watch my most recent trashy experience while thrifting.)

4. Online reselling: Online platforms and marketplaces have made it easier for thrift stores and individuals to sell their items at potentially higher prices. As a result, certain valuable or desirable items might be priced higher in-store to align with online market rates.

5. Inflation and economic factors: General economic factors, such as inflation, can impact prices across various industries. If the cost of living rises or inflation affects the economy, thrift stores may adjust their prices accordingly.

Et voila mes amies, here are a cinq reasons why thrift stores have gotten so pricey. Have you noticed rising costs while thrifting?

Ciao for now 💋

Click here for my thrifting and consignment guides.