More people than ever are thrift shopping. What are their options in Chicago?
A thrifting expert and a thrift store manager weigh in.
By Char Daston
More people than ever are thrift shopping. What are their options in Chicago?
A thrifting expert and a thrift store manager weigh in.
By Char DastonA report from the online resale company ThredUp found that 93% of Americans are willing to buy their clothes secondhand — up from 52% in 2016. As thrifting increases in popularity, Reset asked listeners to share their favorite spots around town.
We received expert advice from thrift shop connoisseur Ayana Contreras, director of content at WBEZ’s sister station Vocalo. When she’s not uncovering vintage gems, Contrearas hosts a radio show called Reclaimed Soul, which is all about making the old new again. And Matt Talaga, a store manager of The Brown Elephant in Lakeview, shared his insight about why so many people are gravitating toward second-hand shops these days. You can listen to Reset’s full conversation with Contreras and Talaga clicking the red ‘LISTEN’ button above.
Five thrift stores our listeners swear by:
Brown Elephant, locations in Lakeview, Andersonville and Oak Park — “I’ve made numerous donations to Brown Elephant when I need to clear out my home,” said Michael from Albany Park. Brown Elephant proceeds support Howard Brown Health, the largest LGBTQ health organization in the Midwest.
Goodwill, Northbrook — Lynn from Wilmette goes to Goodwill a lot and called in to tell us she struck sartorial gold. “I found my daughter’s prom dress at Goodwill for $5,” she said. “It’s strapless with a huge, puffy skirt, and it was the most gorgeous pale lavender color.”
Upscale Rummage, Libertyville — “[Upscale Rummage] has clothes, they have housewares, they have tools, they have furniture, and it’s all just amazing,” said Robin from Rogers Park.
Salvation Army, Skokie — For Ayana Contreras, the Salvation Army is the perfect atmosphere to thrift. “I always say you want to get away from crowds of people and you want to be in a place where people had more clothes,” Contreras said.
Winnetka church rummage, Winnetka — “I’ve been buying used clothes since I was a kid mostly because we needed to,” said Roxanne from Pilsen. Now that she’s older, Roxanne is still an avid thrifter and prefers church rummage sales to resale shops.