Thrift shoppers often find ‘one of a kind’ deals

In Walton County, thrifters have begun to flood second hand stores like, [Re]Love Consignment shop, Goodwill and The Fish to find “one of a kind” items in the past few years. Due to the economy’s inflation, it’s become a necessity for many residents.

The statistics website Statista reports that, from 2020 to 2024, Georgians have significantly increased their spendings at “used merchandised stores.”

“It is projected that the revenue of used merchandise stores in Georgia will amount to approximately 565,7 million U.S. Dollars by 2024,” Statista research department said on December 21, 2023. Re]Love owner, Ali King, who’s been in the thrifting business for a few years, has always had a love for thrifting.

“My whole life I’ve always loved to thrift and go to consignment sales. I used to shop at a thrift store in Lilburn, but I don’t go there anymore because it’s too far away. I had to make my own place to shop,” she says.

King explains that she wanted to up the competition in Monroe, so she decided to make her own consignment shop with “special items”.King says, “When I moved to Monroe (seven years ago), there
weren’t many options for consignment stores except for Goodwill or the Fish. I wanted to up the “consignment game” a little bit. I was trying to fill a need in Monroe, so that’s why I opened this shop.”

King believes her business is helping the economy and the environment.

“I think they’re a big push, environmentally, for people to recycle clothing. Also, the economy has become [inflated], so people are trying to look for a bargain price wise,” she says.

The mission of her consignment business is to provide retail therapy for a lower price.

“On our sign it says affordable retail therapy. Thrifting can be a coping mechanism for some customers,” she says. “I think our store is better than name brand stores because customers can find many different brands in one place,” King explains on how her business competes with name brand stores.

Many residents in the area donate their clothing through appointments at [Re]Love. The most needed products will be stored in the shop. In the shop, there’s accessories, clothing, shoes and more found. Local resident, Melissa shops at The Fish in Monroe. Her favorite store is The Fish because it’s a non-profit and it has lower prices compared to Goodwill.

“I like to find things that are different and that are unique,” she says. She doesn’t thrift for clothes, but she finds 1970’s decor that gives her nostalgia from her past. It’s an interest of hers that is fueled by
thrifting and going to her local Fish.

Melissa says, “I prefer thrift stores over name brand stores because thrift stores have more bargains. I like to find interesting things at thrift stores that I wouldn’t find at more high-end stores.”

The Fish helps Melissa and other customers find books, vintage clothing, antique, memorabilia, and so much more. Thrifting gives many customers the chance to find well loved items. The question is, will this fashion trend fade, or will thrifting live on to 2025?