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”.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من Marie Claire Australia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من Marie Claire Australia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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