National Thrift Shop Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Concerning Thrifting

The purpose of National Thrift Shop Day, observed on August 17, is to support local thrift stores and bring attention to charitable organisations. Thrift stores strive to assist the most vulnerable members of the community and give back to those in need. Thrift stores also go by the names consignment stores, second-hand stores, resale shops, and hospice shops. Volunteers who are willing to lend a hand typically sift through donated items at thrift stores. These used items are then sold to the public at an affordable price, providing those in need with an expedient service!

The background of National Thrift Shop Day

Before thrift stores became popular, people frequently repurposed their clothing. During the eighteenth century, numerous novel uses for ancient objects emerged. If a person’s clothing became faded, they would give it to a younger sibling as a hand-me-down and have it refashioned into new clothing for them. Even if the siblings grew weary of this activity, the material would be recycled for use as furniture stuffing. People also sold their belongings when they required money, but the concept of the thrift store had not yet been developed.

By the end of the nineteenth century, the United States had undergone a profound cultural transformation. The Industrial Revolution increased the production of clothing and other goods, whereas the pursuit of the American ideal increased immigration. Many moved to urban regions, which accelerated the process of purchasing new clothes and discarding old ones. To meet this demand, pawnshops and scrap yards arose, but it was frowned upon to wear clothing previously owned by a stranger, as it signified a lower social status.

Christian outreach programmes required funding, so religious affiliation organisations such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill altered the narrative. In 1897, the Salvation Army established a “salvage brigade.” Residents would solicit used clothing throughout the community. In exchange, they would receive sustenance and shelter. Then, in Boston in 1902, a Methodist minister founded Goodwill, which employed poor and disabled individuals to collect and repair donated products. These stores provided a place for immigrants to purchase clothing while assimilating Christian values and social service activities.

In the 1920s, thrift stores mirrored the department stores of the time. When thrift stores ceased to be referred to as “junk shops,” initial perceptions began to alter. By 1935, there were nearly 100 Goodwill stores across the nation, and they were beneficial during difficult times. The Great Depression and World War II increased the viability of salvage stores as a more affordable alternative to department stores. People warmed up to the concept of thrift shops as a place to discover vintage items and specialty items, and since then, the thrift store has steadily shed its negative reputation.

5 Interesting Facts Concerning Thrifting

After people have made their weekend donations, the best opportunity to go thrifting is earlier in the week.

Thrift is derived from the old Norse word “prift”, which means “prosperity.”

The typical American annually discards 21 pounds of clothing.

The absence of salespeople in thrift stores is appreciated by a great number of thrift consumers.

The 2012 single “Thrift Shop” by rapper Macklemore topped the Billboard charts.

NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY DATES