Thrifting is no longer just about saving money. In Austin, secondhand shopping has become a trend that combines sustainability, style, and affordability, creating an alternative to the industry of fast fashion.
As younger shoppers embrace the chance to find unique pieces of clothing, the popularity of resale has grown across Austin. With over 40 different thrift stores around the city, stores like Buffalo Exchange and Uptown Cheapskate have tapped into that demand and work to challenge fast fashion. While the Environmental Protection Agency stated that 92 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year, Martin Somoza, a marketing associate at Buffalo Exchange, explained how stores like his aim to keep those clothes in circulation.
“By giving used clothing a second chance, we directly combat textile waste created by the fashion industry and keep 5.5 million pieces of clothing out of landfills each year,” Somoza said.
Somoza added that Buffalo Exchange’s buying process reflects shoppers’ demand for quality. Trained buyers carefully evaluate every piece brought in before placing it on the racks.
“Ensuring the quality and cleanliness of our items is our top priority,” Somoza said. “Our process begins with our experienced buyers, who carefully inspect every piece that’s brought into our stores.”
Craig Berlin, co-owner of Austin’s Uptown Cheapskate, explained how some customers like to shop there because of the positive impact. Younger shoppers are increasingly becoming interested in sustainability, and his store often donates clothes to charities.
“The primary one that we donate most of the clothes to is called the Purple Heart Foundation,” Berlin said. “We also support through other measures, including occasional fill-a-bag charity sales.”
Berlin said the resale industry directly reduces the influence of fast fashion by addressing textile pollution. Their store rarely ever purchases goods from well-known fast fashion brands.
“The textile industry is one of the second or third most polluting businesses on the planet,” Berlin said. “The fact that we repurpose millions of pounds every year and keep them out of the landfill is a really good thing.”
Students also recognized the value in choosing secondhand over fast fashion. Elliot Elbom, a sophomore and frequent thrifter, said he shops resale for both affordability and individuality.
“My draw is probably that it’s cheaper,” Elbom said. “You can find more unique stuff. It is obvious that there are trendy things, but I think you can find more unique stuff thrifting.”
For Elbom, the shopping experience at thrift stores feels very different from a chain store. When searching of cool shirts, he generally appreciates the variety resale stores provide.
“Some of the stores I go to, they have $5 sections, which is good for someone like me,” Elbom said. “ I also look for a big selection. Big selection, cheap. I mean, couldn’t ask for more.”
Younger shoppers like Elbom represent a generational shift away from fast fashion. According to Berlin, Resale once carried stigma, but it has become trendy among students and young professionals.
“Back when I was growing up, everything was looked down upon, like it was dirty,” Berlin said. “Over time, particularly the younger generation, has become more interested in it.”
These changes also affect the prices of chains like Austin Cheapskate. Berlin has seen customers now compare resale racks not only with mall stores, but also with online resale platforms like Poshmark and Depop.
“It may also kind of keep you honest in that way because you know you can’t necessarily sell things that are jacked up,” Berlin said. “But it also protects you from pricing things too low.”
As resale becomes more popular, stores like Uptown Cheapskate and Buffalo Exchange continue to attract young shoppers looking for affordability and sustainability. Thrifting’s rise has positioned secondhand fashion as a direct competitor to fast fashion chains.
“People have realized you can buy really nice quality stuff for a fraction of what you’d pay at a retail store,” Berlin said.