THRIFTY BUSINESS

Buying second-hand has never been cooler. Glynis Traill-Nash takes a look at the motivations behind the booming trend, Gen Z’s influence, the thrift economy” and what it means for the fashion industry

Finding that second-hand pair of Prada slingbacks or a Louis Vuitton Speedy bag might still be the holy grail of thrift shopping, but increasingly Australians are satisfied with a vintage surf tee or perfectly worn-in Levi’s.

“I recently purchased a Marks & Spencer navy blazer at Lifeline in Manly [in northern Sydney] for $25. Whenever I wear it I always get compliments,” says Anne Bluett, a seasoned second-hand shopper.

The thrill of the chase and a love of a bargain has long fuelled the thrift economy, but as the acceptance of buying second-hand has grown – driven largely by Gen Z – increasingly there are those who are making a living or at least a good side hustle from selling thrifted fashion items. Other businesses have built up to help sellers clear out their wardrobes without the hassle of organising a market stall or dealing with hagglers on Gumtree.

Five months after her first sale on Depop, Sally Paton became a top seller on the resale platform beloved of Gen Z – which has also been labelled the Depop Generation. She had previously worked as a model and then as a fashion writer, but after quitting a writing job in Los Angeles she returned to Perth unsure of her next career move.

“I started doing Depop as a side hustle, selling pieces from my wardrobe,” Paton tells Marie Claire. “It’s kind of a combination of everything I’ve ever done. I modelled for a decade and learned how to take cool photos on set. And I had a lot of designer stuff from my modelling days. I was getting really busy, so I started thrifting and it just grew. At the moment, it is literally my full-time gig – it’s crazy.” By selling 20 to 25 items a week, sourced largely from op shops, Paton says she earns “a fine income for now”.