Popping tags and tight budgets were popular before Macklemore hit the scene. Goodwill and Salvation Army have been around since I can remember, but recently consignment shops and thrift stores have been finding their way to Elizabethtown. They are scattered around Elizabethtown’s shopping district especially on Market Street. Though readily available, are so many secondhand stores needed in this small college town or is the demand for them too small?
I work in the bakery on campus and during one of my shifts I asked one of the full-time bakery employees about her thrift shopping experience. The first comment she made referred to the increasing amount of second-hand stores in town. Together, we came up with four different locations around Etown, possibly five. The prices are relatively the same, with varying floor plans, but they are all here nevertheless. We agreed that thrift stores give an alternative, inexpensive way to shop, whether for clothes or home decor. Pertaining to Elizabethtown College students, some of whom are scraping by on part-time or minimum wage jobs, I believe secondhand stores provide benefits to them.
I am a frequent buyer at the Salvation Army in my hometown of York. Not partial to name brands, I browse the racks in hopes of finding something nice. I typically go in with a game plan; maybe I am looking for a new black cardigan, or maybe I’m looking for a pair of khakis I can wear to work. The clothes are usually categorized by type: women’s pants, outdoor wear, children’s, etc. The stores tend to be packed, with overflowing racks and stacks of dishes, shoes, books, whatever is in stock. If you know what you are looking for, the amount of items is less overwhelming. On the other hand, you could spend hours in a thrift shop, looking at all the different items they provide. The extensive inventory can work to your benefit. Whether you are searching for a specific item, or just killing time, there is a lot to look at in a thrift shop.
It seems that Etown students utilize thrift shops closer to the holidays, particularly Halloween and Christmas. Students feverishly search the racks for the best Christmas sweater or Halloween costume pieces. With so many thrift shops at their disposal, students have many places to look.
Besides the theme parties, thrifting gained popularity through media. I am referring predominately to Macklemore’s song “Thrift Shop.” Before, thrift shopping seemed to have a stigma around it. Secondhand, used, hand-me-downs or other terms for the clothing gave the impression of inferiority because it was not bought in a mall or well-liked store. Once Macklemore’s song hit the stations, thrift shopping became a mainstream concept and the stigma lessened slightly. Ibtimes.com wrote about Macklemore’s interview with MTV. During his interview, Macklemore mentioned his regular thrift store visits. His admission contradicts the assumption that thrift stores are for those who cannot afford brand new clothing. Rather than receiving looks of disdain or judgment when I mention my thrift shop adventures, people have become indifferent. To me, the progression from judgment to indifference is relieving. The notion that secondhand stores are inferior is decreasing due to mainstream acknowledgement.
The exposure to thrift shopping through the media gave an alternative to expensive, brand-new clothing. As a full-time student, I work two part-time jobs. However, I never have the money I would like to splurge on new Vans or Toms. I just do not have the cash. Thrift stores allow me to buy the staples of my wardrobe for less, like the ever-useful cardigan or T-shirts. By saving a little each time, I can spoil myself with my little indulgences more often. Thrift shopping can also help a family save on clothes, furniture, dishware, etc. Those who are tight for money can find solace in a thrift shop, not just the cliché, broke college student.
But the question remains — is the amount of secondhand stores necessary in such a small town? I am not sure about that. With four or five at our disposal, there are plenty of options for the buyers. However, the stores supply similar products or types of items, resulting in a big overlap in their inventory. The redundancy could lead to store closings. If all five stores are able to maintain decent revenue, then they are more than welcome and needed here in Elizabethtown. My only concern is the supply and demand in Etown. There will always be shoppers who need less expensive necessities, college students that need the tackiest Christmas sweater or those with a few hours to kill. Thrift shops are maintained through community involvement; if they did not receive donations, they would not have an inventory to sell. As long as the people of Etown continue to support their local secondhand stores, there will always be a place for them in town.