The Rise of Thrifting
Updated: Sep 4
August 2026
Thrifting has been with us for centuries, and now thrifting finally has been given a chance to shine! You've probably gone to a thrift store at least once. You might have browsed through the racks, looked at the toys, or tried out some used furniture pieces for amazing prices! In the past, you probably didn't think that a crusty looking thrift store could become an iconic masterpiece for people our age, but it's now all the rage! Thrift Stores were created around the 19th and 20th centuries to help charitable groups raise money. The first one opened in the UK in 1899, supporting their local charities. The United States of America (USA), joined this business in the 20th century. Common thrift shops, like Goodwill,began their companies with their low cost items asking people for donations.Thrifting then officially became a global trend.
A love for thrifting has been recently included in the popular television show, “That Thrifting Show”. The show's designers have a two-thousand dollar budget to make a room in a house by only going to local thrift and antique shops. I recently watched it, and totally recommend it! Thrifting is also displayed in movies such as Aquamarine, Ghost World, and Lady Bird. Scenes include the main characters shopping at thrift stores. The movie Lady Bird was filmed in a real thrift store that is unfortunately going out of business.There are also celebrities that enjoy the hobby such as Miguel and Aya Cash. While a guest on the podcast Only Thrifting, Aya Cash states, “When I get a job in a small town, the first thing I do is look up the thrift shops. Even if I only have one day off, I will choose thrifting over sleep.” (Only Thrifting) Inspired by their favorite celebrities, many people have tried out this activity to join the fantasy of cheap second hand clothes.
Here's an image of the thrift store Savers.
Over the last year, thrifting has become a popular pastime for many young adults. The cost of clothing (due to inflation) has caused teens to scout for affordable stores which has led them to stores such as Savers, Goodwill, Uptown Cheapskate, Plato's Closet, and Second Street. Bank of America states that purchases happening at thrift stores have gone up by 22% in the last year. Thrift stores are now outperforming fast fashion brands such as Zara and H&M because of the realization of the price differences between the both companies. Thrift stores have also shown a variety of different styles at the same store. This can be useful if you're looking for unique items without spending a fortune. So, if you haven´t jumped on this trend, your local thrift store is waiting for you with great fits and low prices.
By now, you're probably in a mood to go thrifting, so here are 5 local thrift stores less than 20 miles from Carmenita:
Savers: 5227 Lakewood Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90712
Goodwill of Orange County: 6006 Lincoln Ave, Cypress, CA 90630
2nd STREET Stanton: 12809 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680
The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center: 7035 Stanton Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621
Anaheim Thrift Store: 2131 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801
Here's an image of a popular thrift store, 2nd STREET
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