Thrift shopping (also known as thrifting) is the act of purchasing cool, aesthetic, items (typically clothing) at a low and affordable price. Shoppers are able to find one of a kind pieces at stores called thrift shops or charity shops, and can even sell their own clothing or other household items for profit. People might tend to frequent thrift shops in attempt to find new items or just as an activity or hobby they can participate in as a group or on their own. Thrifting has become a new trend for teenagers and younger people as it allows them to play around with their fashion sense and style for a small amount and get creative with possible do-it-yourself projects.

Earlier in the nineteenth century, wearing or buying used clothing became a popular act almost everyone was doing due to poverty or the lack of access to resources and affordable clothes.^[1] Later in the 1800s, this was repulsed by many as the economy began to grow and develop, in terms of resources/materials and during the same time people became middle or high class individuals and families.^[2] It was then much easier to acquire new clothes and normalized cleaning out old pieces of clothing. This was an issue occurring more commonly in American culture but eventually, it spilled over to Canadian cities.^[3] By the 1900s, thrift stores such as The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Goodwill, Value Village, etc. were branching out worldwide and would often receive truckloads of collected donations to sell to the middle-class towns and areas.^[4]

Today, thrifting continues to carry a certain stigma as it represents a history of people with a lack of money and the assumption of uncleanliness.^[5] On the other hand, it seems as though thrifting stays relevant due to younger generations sharing an interest in saving money or simply viewing this activity as a fun hobby.^[6] Many crave to follow this trend and fit into a certain aesthetic of "hipster" and "vintage" clothing by shopping or browsing in thrift stores.

In terms of vintage clothing, this definition has stayed the same for the most part, describing one of a kind pieces popularized in a specific time in history. It is rare for shoppers to find vintage garments or name brand items but not impossible due to certain thrift shops allowing customers to sell no-name and branded pieces to their store and receiving money in return.

Thrift stores can also be categorized into certain shops such as consignment shops that give people the opportunity to bring in their old and new clothes to "sell" depending on what the worker believes is trending at the time or what they think their customers will most likely purchase based on the brand, quality, etc.^[7] Sellers will only be given a small percentage of what they brought in, in order for the store to still make profit and provide others with affordable and reasonable prices.^[8] It can be difficult to list items at a low price because of the brand's popularity or style of clothing and the "hype" around it.^[9] Though, being listed at a higher price, it gives the product more value and forces customers to possibly offer more money for it.^[10] Consignment stores can overall benefit both the employees, seller, and the customer as they are all being given fair rewards and ending up with a product.

There is no proper way to thrift, but there are some tips to make thrifting more efficient and easier, and possibly help some people find real gems.

1. Keep an open mind and have no expectations (if you are going thrifting to find a specific style or piece of clothing, you will most likely not find it)

2. Look through every rack; men's and women's, maybe even kids! (you never know what you will be able to find because people tend to place items in random sections when they do not want it anymore, especially when it comes to sizes)

3. If it is a name brand item, it does not mean it is worth the price (it could either be the most plain or tackiest top with a familiar logo on it but it will most likely not be worth what it is selling as, you will find something better, for a cheaper price)

4. Try on everything if you can (most thrift stores do not have a return policy and if you are lucky they will at least allow you to exchange - still, it is better to be sure whether you actually want something or not)

5. If you really like it and strongly believe you will get a lot of use out of it, buy it! (it will most likely not be there the next time you visit)

6. Explore the household items and other non-clothing sections too! (it does not always have to be about clothes shopping, you never know what interesting and priceless things you can find, not only for yourself but for other people as well)

7. Go to multiple thrift stores, not just the one closest to you! (everyone has a different style in other parts of town, expand your horizon)

8. Find out if your thrift store or any other ones host discounted day sales i.e. 50% off summer clothes, winter items or sometimes storewide! (of course thrift store prices are already affordable but who does not need an extra discount off a $4.99 shirt?)

9. Just have fun! (thrifting is always fun whether you are with friends, family, or even by yourself, make the most out of it, and even if you do not find something you like, there's always next time - these stores are given truckloads of items almost every day)

Value Village^[11]

The Salvation Army Thrift Store^[12]

National Thrift Ltd^[13]

Toronto Thrift Shop

Top 10 Toronto Thrift Stores^[14]