Among different age groups, personalities, social tiers, thrifting has a place for everyone. Fort Collins has several good thrift and resell stores to get you started.
The benefits of thrifting are limitless. Consumerism has been a rising issue all over the world, but specifically in the United States, and thrifting provides a wat to counteract it.
The average American purchases over 50 new pieces of clothing per year, and 65% of that is discarded within a year of purchase.
Fast fashion accounts for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions, which is roughly 1.2 billion tons per year. On top of all of these negative environmental impacts, it also is a leading cause of pollution, water consumption, microplastics, and lower quality clothing.
Locally, there are many options to resell and purchase used clothing, including Plato’s Closet, ARC, Goodwill, and (my personal favorite) Dandelion and Rust.
At ARC and Goodwill you can donate clothes, furniture, items, costumes, shoes, and much more. These locations have a large amount of clothing and items that come into the stores frequently, making the selection vast and unique and the prices very affordable.
Price ranges for these are going to be a little bit cheaper in general, compared to resell locations like those in downtown Fort Collins or at Plato’s Closet. Resell locations offer payments to people who drop things off there. It provides a way for you to earn extra cash and offers you a great selection of gently used items for purchase. They are more picky in what they take to resell and you may find higher end items.
Since ARC and Goodwill sell furniture, appliances, accessories, home decor, and more, they are perfect for people who would like to save money on these items or simply just have something unique you won’t see everywhere. You can decorate your whole room with thrifted items–from lamps to desks to wall hangings.
At Plato’s Closet you can buy and sell clothes, shoes, and bags. The local store is off College in the parking lot of TJ Maxx, Five Below, and Michaels. This store is a great option for those who are new to thrifting and want a clean and welcoming environment.
Dandelion and Rust has a combination of unique clothing, items from local small artists in town, shoes, and more. The employees and the atmosphere of the store is what sets it apart from the rest. Not only is everything unique and always good quality but the decorations and the way the store has such different character than most places, is what brings a warm welcoming feelings to the shop. Walnut Creek is a similar store with multiple vendors and new and used items.
Another benefit of thrifting rather than buying everything brand new is that your clothing is going to be much more unique than clothes from fast fashion places like Target, Brandy Melville, Hollister, and others. You won’t find a friend wearing the same shirt as you when you find it at the thrift store instead of Old Navy.
“Thrifting gives a wide variety of clothing, and most of all it’s unique. Its so important to pick what specifically fits your personality so that your clothing can match you as person. Thrifting is cheap way to do that,” junior Karsyn Willams said.
Many Rocky students thrift to save money, find unique clothing options, and sell or donate old clothing to make a little bit of money.
“I think that thrifting truly broadens fashion options for high school students. It allows students, who probably don’t have a lot of money, to be “cool” without spending all their money. I hate buying new clothes now because they’re just so expensive nowadays,”
junior Isaac Freeman says.
There is nothing wrong with purchasing used items and clothing to help protect the environment. Thrift stores are full of hidden treasures and unique items that you can’t find everywhere. Plus, it’s a great way to save money!
The best way to find out what you like is to visit a local thrift stores to find what works for you!
A complete list of shops can be found at the Larimer County website.
