Michigan thrift stores offer bargains to customers; opportunities and hope for less fortunate workers – The Oakland Press

Shopping is giving.

The money that flows through the nearby thrift store often benefits community causes, ranging from feeding the homeless to training the unemployed.

For many cost-conscious consumers, buying secondhand items is a great way to contribute to everything from preserving the environment to raising awareness for charities.

“Shopping at our thrift stores not only offers unique and affordable items, but also directly supports the mission of Grace Centers of Hope,” said Erik Overpeck, director of thrift store operations at Grace Centers of Home in Pontiac. “Your purchases combat homelessness, addiction and poverty, turning your shopping experience into an act of generosity for the community.”

On August 17, the role and impact of thrift stores will be celebrated on National Thrift Store Day. The day is a tribute to the so-called “virtuous circle” of thrift stores: donate, buy, buy, care and share.

As an industry, thrift stores are succeeding by doing good. There are more than 25,000 resale, consignment and nonprofit resale stores nationwide, according to Dun & Bradstreet First Research. The secondhand and resale market is projected to reach $90 billion by 2032, CapitalOneshopping.com reported.

Michigan is home to more than 400 thrift stores offering an ever-changing inventory of items from clothing to couches, everyday household items and nostalgic knick-knacks to hidden treasures. Some thrift stores are family-owned businesses, others are like boutiques, and others resemble department stores, with lots of deals and plenty of space.

Many thrift stores are operated by charities that allocate some proceeds to support their community mission.

The Salvation Army, for example, has dozens of stores across the state.

“The goal is to provide resources to help people develop life skills,” said Megan Dietz, director of operations for The Salvation Army in metro Detroit.

Revenue from store sales is essential to the organization’s community outreach, often serving homeless, hungry, unemployed, poor, sick and addicted citizens, and victims of disasters. The organization operates a job training center on Fort Street near downtown Detroit. From there, the organization operates a 180-day rehabilitation and training program with about 150 beds for participants.

“Many people who come to our facility have not lived a life that involved routines,” Dietz said. “We provide essential life and work skills.”

To celebrate National Thrift Store Day, Dietz said, Salvation Army store employees across the area will be using their best thrift store finds.

Services to Enhance Potential (STEP) is also stepping up to meet the needs of others, serving more than 1,300 residents with disabilities and other mental health needs in Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties and operating stores in Dearborn Heights, Southgate and Wayne. Most of its 110 store employees have developmental disabilities and receive valuable job training and life skills to prepare them for their careers.

Store profits directly support STEP’s programs. Founded in 1972, STEP’s self-described mission is “to provide an employment approach to people with disabilities” and “to support individuals in the pursuit of their chosen goals and the attainment of personal satisfaction in their lives.”

STEP services include job placement, workforce development, job training, and career counseling. Training programs include those in retail, janitorial, and general business.

The key to operations is providing a beneficial experience for donors, shoppers and store workers, said Leah Coole, regional sales manager and director of thrift stores.

“It’s always a different day in a second-hand store, with the changing of products and the arrival of customers,” he said.

According to her, the process has been strengthened by STEP’s collaboration with community theatre groups and performance venues. STEP stores have provided available inventory free of charge for theatre productions. In return, the theatre groups have promoted STEP and its stores.

The deal is a mutually beneficial way to deal with a “shaky economy,” Cooley said.

To celebrate National Thrift Store Day, STEP will be offering all clothing and accessories at 50 percent off.

Grace Centers of Hope thrift stores operate in Oak Park, Sterling Heights, Warren and Waterford. For National Thrift Day, all items will be 60 percent off. Founded in 1942, Grace Centers of Hope serves more than 125,000 meals a year. On any given night, the organization said Grace provides temporary shelter to more than 125 men, women and children.

“National Thrift Store Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of thrift stores in promoting sustainability and supporting community programs,” Overpeck said.

Tips for smart shopping

1. Have a plan, but be flexible. Start with a list of items you need or are looking for, but keep an open mind. Thrift stores are a treasure trove of unexpected finds. Flexibility can lead to unique pieces.

2. Visit thrift stores regularly. Thrift store inventory changes frequently. Regular visits will increase your chances of finding great deals and unique items.

3. Look for quality brands. Second-hand stores often offer high-quality brands at a fraction of the original price. Familiarize yourself with premium brands so you can quickly recognize them. Well-made items tend to last longer and offer better value for money.

4. Embrace DIY and upcycling. Give second-hand items a new life. Simple alterations can make a big difference. Sometimes an item may not be perfect as is, but it can be transformed with a little creativity.

5. Check for sales and discounts. Many thrift stores offer special discounts, sales, or loyalty programs. Stay informed about these opportunities to maximize your savings. Follow your favorite thrift stores on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to stay up to date.

6. Shop with patience. Shopping at secondhand stores takes time and patience. Check the racks and shelves methodically, as hidden gems often require a bit of digging.

7. Don’t skip the fitting room. Sizes can vary greatly between brands and seasons. Always try on clothes to make sure they fit you properly.

8. Inspect items carefully. Check for stains, tears, missing buttons, and working zippers. Careful inspection will let you know if there are any defects before you buy.

9. Interact with staff. Store staff can be a great resource for information about new arrivals or special promotions.

10. Have fun. Thrift shopping is as much about the experience as it is about the finds. Enjoy the process and celebrate your unique discoveries.

(Source: Grace Hope Centers)

Quick Facts

• Between 16% and 18% of Americans shop at thrift stores each year.

• Thrift store shoppers save an average of $1,760 per year by purchasing used items.

• About one-third of clothing and apparel items purchased in the U.S. last year were secondhand.

• Traditional donations and savings account for $22 billion or 56.4% of the total secondhand goods market.

• Buying second-hand clothes reduces carbon emissions by an average of 25% compared to buying new clothes.

• 85% of shoppers believe second-hand shopping is good for the environment; 62% believe second-hand shopping is a more sustainable solution to fast fashion.

• 52% of American shoppers bought secondhand clothing in 2022

• 55.7% of secondhand clothing buyers in the US are women.

• 85% of shoppers say they go to thrift stores to save money.

• 42% of second-hand buyers say they are motivated by sustainability.

• 40% of shoppers say they want to find high-end brands at reduced prices.

Younger generations are expected to account for almost two-thirds of second-hand market growth over the next five years.

• 83% of Gen Z consumers have purchased or are interested in secondhand clothing, 10.7% more than the average for all age groups.

• 34% of Gen Z consumers always shop at secondhand stores.

• 2 out of 5 items in the average Gen Z closet are secondhand.

• 30% of Gen Z consumers who buy secondhand items do so so they can buy higher-quality brands.

• 82% of Gen Z consumers have considered the resale value of a piece of clothing before purchasing it.

• 64% of Generation Z looks for a second-hand item before buying it new.

• 42% of global consumers aged 18-37 are willing to buy second-hand clothing from 2021 onwards

• 32% of consumers aged 38 to 55 are willing to buy second-hand clothing; 16% of consumers aged 56 to 65 are willing to

• 29.7% of secondhand clothing buyers in the US are between 25 and 34 years old.

• 23.8% of second-hand clothing buyers are between 35 and 44 years old; 18.1% are between 18 and 24 years old.

(Source: Association of Resale Professionals)