A month ago, I was casually pitching this brainchild/website concept to a few friends of mine. All of them seemed very supportive and hoped Springfield Thrift Haul would one day be live to help them find all of the best deals and “undiscovered gems” of the Springfield thrifting community, all of my friends except one.
She responded in a polite manner, “I think your idea is great, but I, personally, just feel bad shopping at thrift stores,” she said. “I feel like I am taking away someone else’s opportunity to have nice things at a lower price. People in poverty shop there most of the time and I don’t want to make fun of what I find there or shop there, because that’s all that they have.”
How do I even follow up with that? I never had that selfless perception of the thrift community before. I felt horrible, selfish even, for the development of Springfield Thrift Haul. I was a little ashamed that my purchases were taking opportunities away from people who needed them the most. I felt like a materialistic monster. I immediately wanted to call my teacher and tell him the site shouldn’t happen because of this realization.
I looked at my friend and mumbled, “yeah…” under my breath. We immediately moved onto another light-hearted conversation. I went home later, but couldn’t stop thinking about the materialism my life was revolving around, just to get a few unique treasures for fun.
So, here’s my response:
Keep shopping. Thrift Stores want consumers to keep consuming so that way proceeds from your purchases will go into programs that decrease poverty and provide opportunities for Springfield families in need.
Keep spending. Splurge a little more on than what you expected on the Ralph Lauren sweater that still has tags on it. Proceeds will also help employ people who really need jobs.
Don’t feel bad about what you buy. Your purchases are making a difference in the lives of others. How good does that feel? People donated to thrift stores for a reason, usually for nonprofits to make a profit off of their donations and for their donations to become cherished treasures. Items beg to be purchased at thrift stores to help others. Without your purchases, thrift stores wouldn’t exist and poverty in Springfield wouldn’t be declining.
Keep shopping. The next time someone approaches you about shopping in thrift stores with a skeptic attitude, tell them about the difference you’re making. Invite them to come shop with you and learn about the programs you’re contributing to through your purchases. We all have hearts that want something. Some of us want old toasters, but it’s important to recognize that the same hearts that desire toasters greatly desire the well-being of our community even more.