Tag: thriftstores

Community · Thrifting

100 Years Of Recycling Clothing

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In the past century, the world has undergone tremendous changes, and one of the most notable transformations has been in the area of clothing recycling. Recycling clothes, which once was considered an unimportant and irrelevant matter, has now become a significant issue due to the increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability and environmental protection.

In the early 1900s, clothing recycling was not a widely practiced activity. The average person purchased clothes that were built to last, and any old clothes were either passed down to younger family members or repurposed into rags or cleaning materials. However, the invention of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon in the 1930s and 1940s made clothes cheaper to produce, and their easy disposability led to an increase in waste.

The 1960s saw the beginning of the modern environmental movement, and with it, increased awareness of the need to reduce waste and preserve resources. This led to a resurgence in the idea of recycling, and organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army began to expand their clothing donation programs. In the 1970s, the first “recycling” stores were opened in the United States, where people could donate their old clothing and purchase second-hand clothes.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the textile recycling industry began to grow, and the first textile recycling machines were developed. These machines could sort through large quantities of used clothing, separating them into different categories based on material and quality. The clothes were then shredded, and the fibers were used to create new textiles, insulation, and even carpets.

In the early 2000s, the rise of online marketplaces such as eBay and Craigslist made it easier for people to sell their old clothing online, rather than throwing them away. The emergence of social media platforms like Instagram also played a role in promoting sustainable fashion, with influencers sharing tips on how to repurpose old clothes and encouraging people to buy second-hand clothing.

Today, clothing recycling has become a global industry. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of waste every year, with less than 1% of it being recycled. However, there are now many initiatives and organizations working to improve this. Major clothing retailers such as H&M, Zara, and Levi’s have launched recycling programs where customers can bring in their old clothes and receive a discount on new purchases. Many cities and towns also have textile recycling programs, where people can bring their used clothing to be sorted and recycled.

In addition to recycling, there has also been a significant rise in upcycling, where old clothes are repurposed into new and fashionable items. Upcycling can range from simply adding embellishments or patches to a piece of clothing to completely transforming it into something entirely new. This has become a popular trend among DIY enthusiasts and sustainable fashion advocates, with many small businesses and independent designers specializing in upcycled clothing.

We, here at Diversity Consignment, pride ourselves in offering a unique textile recycling experience. One in which clothing passes directly from a consignors closet to a new and happy home. I believe that consignment has the potential to be the most sustainable way of recycling within the textile industry, applying a zero sum waste approach.

We also offer a platform for up cycling artists and creators to showcase some of their creations while making a profit. Come by and check out some of the unique things we have for sale!

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment

Community · Thrifting

What are the Benefits of Thrifting?

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Thrifting, the practice of purchasing second-hand items, has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s not just about saving money, though. There are many benefits to thrifting that go beyond just the financial. Here are some reasons why you should consider thrifting for your next shopping spree.

1. Sustainability

The fashion industry is notorious for its impact on the environment. From the use of water and chemicals to the carbon emissions of transportation, the production of new clothes is a significant contributor to pollution. Additionally, when clothes are discarded, they often end up in landfills, where they can take years to decompose.

Thrifting is a sustainable option because it extends the life of clothing that would otherwise be thrown away. By purchasing second-hand items, you’re reducing the demand for new clothes and helping to keep usable items out of landfills. Thrifting is an eco-friendly choice that helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Uniqueness

When you shop at mainstream retailers, you’re likely to find the same items as everyone else. Thrifting, on the other hand, offers a unique shopping experience. Each thrift store has its own selection of items, and you never know what you’ll find. You may discover vintage pieces that are no longer available in stores or one-of-a-kind items that you won’t see anyone else wearing. Thrifting allows you to express your individuality and stand out from the crowd.

3. Affordability

One of the most obvious benefits of thrifting is the cost savings. Second-hand items are typically much cheaper than new ones, allowing you to stretch your budget further. You can find high-quality items for a fraction of their original price, which means you can get more for your money. Thrifting is an excellent way to find bargains and get the most out of your shopping budget.

4. Higher Quality

Many items you find while thrifting are of higher quality than what you might find in mainstream retailers. This is because they were likely made to last, rather than being produced quickly and cheaply. You can find items made from higher quality materials, such as wool or silk, that are more durable and will last longer than their cheaper counterparts. Thrifting allows you to get high-quality items for a fraction of the price.

5. Supporting Local Communities

When you shop at thrift stores, you’re supporting local businesses and communities. Many thrift stores are run by non-profit organizations or small business owners. By shopping at these stores, you’re helping to support local economies and contribute to the growth of small businesses. Additionally, some thrift stores donate a portion of their profits to local charities, so your purchase can make a positive impact beyond just your wardrobe.

6. Nostalgia

Thrifting can be a nostalgic experience. You may come across items that remind you of your childhood or a certain time period. This can be a fun way to reminisce and relive memories. Additionally, you may discover items that have a unique history, such as vintage band tees or concert posters. Thrifting allows you to connect with the past and add a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe.

7. Experimentation

Thrifting is an excellent way to experiment with different styles and trends. Because the items are affordable, you can try out new looks without investing a lot of money. You can also mix and match items from different eras and styles to create a unique look. Thrifting allows you to be creative with your wardrobe and try out new styles without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, thrifting has many benefits beyond just the financial savings. It’s a sustainable option that helps to reduce your carbon footprint. It allows you to express your individuality and find unique items that you won’t see anyone else wearing. Thrifting is an affordable way to get high-quality items that are made to last

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment

Is Savers / Value Village A Charity Thrift Chain?
Business · Thrifting

Is Savers / Value Village A Charity Thrift Chain?

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I guess I’m in a spicy mood today to do a little revealing dive into the relationship that Savers has with charity. I will be un-partial in this article to whether or not I think Savers’ operation is good or bad and provide facts that are readily available to the public through various credible websites.

What we will cover includes if Savers is in fact a charity thrift chain, some relationships that they have been a part of and a general outlook on this type of business model.

Is Savers / Value Village a Charity Store?

The simple answer to this question is no. Savers is not a charity thrift store. In fact, they explain this in detail several times on their website. “We’ve chosen to keep our business model this way—to buy our supply from local nonprofits.” We pay our nonprofit partners for your stuff, helping them fund programs in your community.” “Shopping in our stores does not support any nonprofit.”

It sounds a little tricky, if Savers is a for-profit “charity” thrift store, what type of business model is this actually?

To be honest with you, the type of business model is actually genius from a capitalistic standpoint. Savers has a relationship with a charity organization within their stores and essentially pays the charity by-the-pound for your donations. Things they want and think they can sell; they pay a certain $ per pound (this information is unavailable to the public) and things that they don’t want and do not think fit their store standards they pay a less amount per pound and then “recycle.” Like I said, this amount is undisclosed to the public but certain partners have gone on record saying that Savers will pay $40,000 and then flip that donation for $1 million.

The recycling is where things can get a little tricky. If they take after the model of the textile recycling centers, what that usually means is that they would ship the unwanted clothing overseas to a buyer that will pay them more per pound than they purchased it for. I’m not saying that is exactly what they do at the Savers recycling warehouses, but it would be hard to convince me that they send clothing over-seas on their own dime.

Savers and Charity Relationships

Several of the nearly 100 charity organizations that have been associated with the Savers organization have severed ties. According to an NBC article, 3 of 6 have cited unfavorable terms and conditions. Director of the Boston area Big Brother Big Sister Foundation was cited saying the following: “If you’re making a million, and we’re making $40,000, how is that helping charities?” “It may be legal, but it’s not right.”

Other charities associated with the Savers organization have openly come out in the defense of the for-profit conglomerate stating that public funding for charities has dried-up and if it weren’t for Savers’ purchasing contributions, they may not make it.

It’s fair to say that the business model that Savers has developed has certainly benefited charities as well as itself. Although Savers does not report its financial performance to the public, their yearly revenue has estimated to reach $1.2 billion according to Moody’s Investor’s Service.

Outlook

As a business owner myself, I find this business model to be fascinating. The problem I could see would be if the general public is deceived into thinking that their donations go directly to benefiting the charity associated with the business, when actually it does not. In the case of Savers and Value Village, the charity does receive compensation by-the-pound when Savers pays for the clothing. They then put the clothing into their stores and price them to make a profit. What is unwanted goes into their recycling center.

I know in recent times; Savers has created an announcement that plays over the telecom during business hours reinforcing the fact that they are a for-profit company. The next time you are in Savers, try to pay attention to the telecom to hear the message.

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment

Business · Community · Thrifting

What Should I Expect at a Consignment Shop?

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Consignment shops can be great sustainable places to re-sell or purchase slightly used or even new clothing. In many regards, consignment shops are some of the most sustainable forms of recycling due to the low impact on waste they tend to produce. The clothing goes in a simple cycle, from consignor, to consignee, to consumer.

Of course, what to expect at a typical consignment shop will vary greatly depending on the styles and types of consignment shops in question. They can range from beautiful boutique style clothing stores, hype beast shops, and even true vintage stores. I will say, however, that the vast majority of consignment shops I have seen tend to be more focused on the up-scale designer centric styles. This may be due to the fact that within these boutique types of consignment shops, one may find some great discounts on otherwise unaffordable brands.

In this article we are going to cover some of the tried-and-true basics of what one would typically find inside of a consignment shop regardless of the specific type of products they offer.

What Makes a Consignment Shop Different than a Charity Thrift Store?

I want to start by doing a little bit of classification on what a consignment shop is and what differentiates it from a typical charity thrift shop.

A consignment shop is defined as “a store that sells secondhand items (typically clothing and accessories) on behalf of the original owner, who receives a percentage of the selling price.” This is different than a charity thrift store in a couple of notable ways:

  • A consignment shop typically has a carefully curated selection of products.
  • You can make money by dropping off your personal items to a consignment shop.
  • Consignment shops are typically for-profit businesses, however; in some instances, that is not always true.

Organization (layout)

The organization within a consignment shop is typically uncluttered and well-structured. This holds true in most shops that I have personally visited. Why are they usually so well organized? It is much easier to keep track of consigned goods inside a more well-organized setting. Remember, many consignment shops can have thousands of different products belonging to hundreds or thousands of different clients at any given time.

If a consignment shop is cluttered and disorganized, it can be a warning sign to prospective consignors. Unless the aesthetic is “organized clutter” (I have definitely seen some consignment shops master this visual) the prospective seller may be left wondering “How are they going to keep track of my stuff?” Consignment stores rely heavily on the community to supply the store with merchandise, so it is important that they gain the trust of a potential client.

Boutique style consignment shops will have a wide array of department store style fixings. Glass showcases, neat tables, and minimalist decor. While vintage consignment shops may have a good display of organized clutter. A shop should fit the vibe they’re trying to portray. I wouldn’t expect a lot of glitter and glam inside of a vintage store, for instance. On the other hand, I would still expect it to be more well organized than a run-of-the-mill charity thrift store.

The Products

Like I mentioned earlier, consignment shops will have a well-curated selection of inventory. The inventory will likely match the clientele that the store is delivering to. For example, a consignment shop in Nantucket will likely have a lot of pastel colored clothing or nautical themed home decor. A hype beast consignment shop located in the inner-city will likely have sneakers, casual clothing, and streetwear designer brands.

The products you should find in a consignment shop should fill the void between “new” and “heavily used.” Most stores will not accept items that show major, obvious signs of wear. This is important to note because you are not likely to find basement prices on the new arrivals section of your neighborhood consignment shop. We will go into pricing expectations a little further down in the article.

Couches at furniture consignment shops should resemble new couches. Dresses at the boutique consignment shop should look as close to new as possible.

You will traditionally (or I should say should not see at all) fast fashion brands or inexpensively manufactured items at a consignment shop, if they are doing their job curating products. Low priced retail merchandise just doesn’t have enough markup value on the resale market and therefore has little to no value to a consignment shop.

You should expect a good selection of desirable merchandise at the consignment store. That desirability, of course, will depend on who the target audience is geared towards at that particular location. Like I said, if you are into goth-core styled clothing, don’t be shocked if the local boutique consignment shop doesn’t carry a decent selection of what you’re interested in.

Pricing

The general rule of thumb when it comes to pricing expectations should be somewhere between retail and bargain basement pricing. Consignment shop inventory as a whole, is typically between 90-95% used. Even clothing or household items that still have the tags and that are un-used should still be priced between 50-80% of retail value. Think about pricing on a department store clearance rack. I have seen some more boutique style shops that stick to near retail value and I have seen others that will go as far as 33% of retail value. The pricing should match the value that they deliver to you, the customer.

Consignment shops are places of discounted merchandise. It is not uncommon to see heavy discounts on sale racks (up to 90% off the original price tag). Usually, inventory is moving at a pretty rapid pace and new inventory is coming in hot. The stores need to make room for new arrivals and will put a good amount of inventory on clearance to make room for new merch. These sales can be great opportunities for customers to get some fantastic deals on excellent quality gems.

Consignment shops should deliver on value to prospective customers. They can justify higher prices than charity thrift stores by delivering on that value. How well the store in question performs on the following bullet points should help to determine the overall value of the pricing:

  • Customer service
  • Cleanliness of the store
  • Selection of the merchandise (curation)
  • Overall experience

If the store delivers 10/10 on all of these components, expect to pay a little higher in price.

What Makes Diversity Consignment Stand Out?

Here at Diversity Consignment, we try to differentiate in a few ways that help us stand out from the typical consignment shop experience.

Traditionally, clothing consignment shops have been cis-gendered and specialize in delivering excellent quality to either the female or male customer market exclusively. Here at Diversity Consignment, we have broken down the barrier of that exclusivity and welcome a non-binary shopping experience for all genders. Honestly, most people won’t really even notice this difference upon entrance because the racks are simply organized by inventory type (sweaters, hoodies, jackets, etc.) and size. This may not be the ideal layout for everyone, and we embrace that.

Another differentiator we offer is the products that we curate. In many regards it would be difficult to classify the inventory under one simple classification. We showcase boutique brands, instruments, vintage styles, vinyl records, and most importantly local artwork and custom creations. Really what we try to offer are things that our prospective customers would want to purchase. We try to communicate as best that we can with our existing customers and analyze the data on what is selling to narrow-down our future selections and curations. Again, our inventory is not likely for everyone, and we understand that.

We offer a calendar of events on our website and have a range of interactive activities for you to do while shopping! Swing by some time to shop or consign with us when you’re in the Boston area!

Conclusion

Consignment shops are fantastic places to stay frugal and in-style regardless of the type of consignment shop and what they offer. I would suggest finding one that aligns with your style and values, if possible. Don’t go in thinking you’re going to pay GoodWill prices; the consignment shops work hard to curate top-quality inventory and oftentimes work extra hard to make the inventory presentable.

The secondhand industry is continuing to grow as people become more aware of the impacts their spending has on the local community and the environmental impacts. Do us all a favor and support your local consignment shop!

Business · Community · Thrifting

The Potential Impacts of an Economic Recession on Thrift Stores

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With thrifting on the rise, more people are spending frugally and saving what they have. One would think that this would be a great thing for the thrift industry, right? Yes, and no.

In today’s article I am going to explain to you a problem caused by an economic recession that could potentially impact the world of thrift: supply shortages.

The Problem

During tough economic times people tend to save money in many ways, one of which being decreased spending on superfluous purchases. The fact is this, the cost of goods is continuing to rise while the economy continues to fall. Clothing, upgraded furniture, and other luxury expenses will become unaffordable (if not already) to the average worker and therefore be an unnecessary expenditure. Why spend money on clothing when gas, electrical bills, and other necessities are piling up?

Okay, I get it. People may not want to buy clothing at retail stores, that’s a good thing for thrift stores, isn’t it?

Not so fast. While people may be turning to thrift stores to make their clothing and household purchases, they will not be so quick to get rid of the things in their closet. If we hold onto what we have, we won’t really need to get more, right? Here lies the problem.

Thrift Store Supply Shortages

While it may be a great idea to shop at thrift stores, we need to remain mindful of how they get their supplies; from us! In today’s day and age, we have become so engrossed with spending, buying, accumulating, and storing. What happens when we hit a hard recession that forces us to hold onto what we have? We make the decision to hold onto that old couch for a couple more years instead of upgrading and donating the old one to a non-profit.

Thrift stores will suffer. They rely so heavily upon us to supply their stores with donations. Those donations essentially turn into charitable organizations being funded when they sell their inventory to the general public. What we will be faced with (and already are beginning to see) is a recession that underserves donations to thrift stores. You can’t sell what you don’t have!

Without consumer spending going to non-profit thrift stores, many services available to those in need will suffer greatly. Aids relief, funding for jobs for people with disabilities, housing services, and a myriad of other publicly funded services will take the hit as well. Of course, this is a terrible situation.

I’m not trying to be Mr. Doomsday prepper or trying to convince you that the world is coming to an end. I’m simply reminding you that there is an entire industry of charitable organizations that are funded from our contributions; both buying and donating. We need to wake up to the possibilities of the near future!

The Answer

I recently read an article (I can’t remember the source) that was outlining several thrift stores in the Pittsburgh area significantly impacted by the recession-hoarding mentality. They are suffering from lack of inventory because people in the community are holding onto what they have, as opposed to donating it and keeping the thrift ecosystem in motion. My answer to the problem is simple.

Switch the consuming mentality from buying new to buying used. I know a lot of you reading this article will already be on board with this. I am hoping that those who find buying used garments and household items “repulsive” will find under-served charities more repulsive.

You, as a privileged American citizen (assuming you live in the US) can feel the same comforts in having something that is “new” when you purchase second-hand. We thrifters call it “new-to-you.” Now, you can upgrade or replace what you have with something new-to-you and donate what you no longer need. Trust me when I say it feels just as good, if not better. Thus, saving the charitable organizations from supply shortages and simultaneously supporting a good cause that benefits those in need.

You’re welcome.

-Much love, Ian Drake- Diversity Consignment

Community · Thrifting

Top 5 Best (Charity) Thrift Stores in Boston

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I know what you’re thinking. What is a consignment shop doing writing a list of the best thrift stores in Boston? Well I wish I had a solid answer for that question other than this; I felt like doing it.

Now, within this list, I’m going to highlight a few of my favorite thrift stores in the Boston area with one caveat. I’m going to start the list by shamelessly plugging Diversity Consignment. That’s it! The rest of the list will be full blown charity shops, that, in my opinion are the best places to go thrifting. I will be ranking them in terms of price, selection, and cleanliness.

When you’re done reading the list feel free to give some shout-outs of places that are your favorites in the comment sections below. (This is a list of Charity Thrift Stores and does not include specialty second-hand stores such as vintage or consignment)

Diversity Consignment

Of course I have to put Diversity Consignment at the top! After all, we did create it!

Aside from that, it’s a fun and eclectic experience just walking in! Vintage TV in the window, crazy awesome window splash outside, N64, air hockey, records and clothing! I mean…come on…. Not to mention, we also host our seasonal Fashion Show (next one in October 😉 ) and showcase local artist work on the walls!

Enough about that, let’s move on to the real list. The best (charity) Thrift Stores in Boston.

Goodwill Hyde Park: 892 River St, Hyde Park, MA 02136

Ahh yes, Goodwill. To start the list off on the right foot I’m going to introduce you to the newest Goodwill to open in Boston; Goodwill Hyde Park. I must say, not all Goodwill’s are treated equally. This one in particular ranks highest on the list in all 3 categories.

Goodwill Hyde Park is well run. You can find a lot of treasure here! Now, it may be speculation, but I have heard that whenever a new Goodwill comes to town, they tend to fill it with gems right off the bat. I know that sounds like hear-say and it probably is, but what would 2022 be without a little conspiracy?

Either way, this Goodwill, in particular isn’t overcrowded with people. In fact, I’m not too sure that many people really know about it! (Cat’s out of the bag now). The prices are excellent! The way they should be. I have yet to see a coat or jacket being priced over $20. For those of you who thrift around a lot; you know coats and jackets can get a bit pricey depending on where you are. Good for you Goodwill Hyde Park; good for you.

5/5 cleanliness, 5/5 selection, and 5/5 price.

Boomerangs Cambridge: 563 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Boomerangs Cambridge is a frequent winner on any top-tier list of best thrift stores, and for good reason! The place is electric! They have an excellent staff of cool cats, a funky atmosphere, and support an excellent cause. Taken from the Boomerangs website:

“Boomerangs is an award-winning family of thrift stores owned and operated by AIDS Action, New England’s leading provider of HIV prevention and wellness services. Serving the Greater Boston area. Boomerangs features a variety of high-quality new, vintage, and gently-loved merchandise to provide critical funding to AIDS Action in partnership with Fenway Health. Together, this partnership serves to enhance the well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community through health care, education, research, and advocacy. All proceeds from Boomerangs directly helps fund work to prevent new HIV infections and improve the lives of thousands of people already living with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts.”

They also have a super-fun TikTok account. How could you not love them!?

Cleanliness: 5/5, Prices: 4/5, Selection: 4.5/5.

Global Thrift: 322 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453

I know what you’re thinking, Waltham isn’t Boston! You know what? You’re right, it’s not. But it’s close by and this place is worth a visit!

According to their website: “Global Thrift is a volunteer driven thrift store where all profit goes into the international work of The Good Foundation. Currently all funding goes into creating businesses, providing jobs and rehabilitating medical clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

That’s a good cause! Aside from the cause, it’s a pretty good thrift store too! They have everything from a vast selection of clothing, shoes, household items, and electronics. The household items and electronics section is small, but it’s there at least.

They do host in-store pop-ups for local artists and creators which I am a big supporter of. I have been there on several occasions and was able to come away with quite a bit of really good finds at really good (Goodwill esq.) prices! The downside, according to a few reviews, is that they frequently switch the layout around in a somewhat confusing manner, and they seem to be a little hit or miss in terms of pricing.

Cleanliness 3.5/5, selection 4/5, price 4/5.

Boomerangs JP: 716 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

You better know I wasn’t going to make a Best (Charity) Thrift stores in Boston without tossing out a couple Boomerangs locations!

A local fan favorite, Boomerangs JP just has it all. Incredible staff, an ever-changing selection, and best of all, the top media selection of all thrift stores! By media I mean CDs, books, and other various media types. They also have the best window display in the neighborhood and always keep it fresh! You can even bid on the items in the window!

I would also like to say that the selection of furniture within this particular location also has the other thrift stores beat. They don’t seem to have the largest space in terms of sq. ft. but they seem to organize it really well in terms of furniture display. If you’re looking for that statement piece, look no further than Boomerangs JP!

The staff is super friendly and the overall atmosphere is eccentric (which I love). It really is like a museum to see the unique treasures they get in so frequently!

cleanliness 4.5/5, selection 5/5, price 4/5

Urban Renewals Boston: 630 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131

This place has to be the most hit or miss of all thrift stores on the list.

First of all, the store is 100% cash only. A major drawback if you ask me! They do have an ATM on site, but what a pain to get charged an extra fee to withdraw money!

The big draw to this store is definitely the price points. I mean in 2022 to only pay .99c for anything is insane! Not to mention, they frequently have 50% off sales so you may even get lucky and score something for only .50c!

Another big draw to this store is the size of it. It is literally massive. That being said, I do have a difficult time with thrifting burnout; sifting through a mile long T-Shirt rack. On top of that, I rarely find anything I want to take home with me. I get that the price points are insane, but it always seems like all the good stuff gets taken before I get there.

I think there’s a lot of “thrifting” buzz around this place so it’s never empty. There are hordes of people, pretty much at all times, ruffling through the never-ending racks.

cleanliness 3.5/5, selection 3/5, price 5/5

Conclusion

There you have it! My opinion on the best (charity) places to go thrifting in Boston! Have any thoughts or want to shout out your favorite charity thrift spot? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below and don’t forget to subscribe to our email list to get updates when we post new articles! Remember, keep buying used stuff!

-Much love, Ian Drake – Diversity Consignment