MILWAUKEE — Secondhand shopping has always been a good option to save money.
Now, thrifting not only helps people pinch pennies, but it also seems to be the “in place” to shop for back-to-school clothes.
Dawn Christman has been the manager of the Waukesha Goodwill store for more than a decade. She said she’s seen more people shopping for back-to-school items this year.
Christman said she thinks the uptick is due to the new view on secondhand shopping from the younger generation and inflation.
“A lot of people knew about this option long before that, but I think that everyone needs to watch their pennies a little bit more now and I think that people have caught on to the fact that they are able to do that here and get a lot for their money,” said Christman.
Saving money may not be the only reason more shoppers are flocking to the secondhand market.
“We see that uptick in those shoppers coming in for the affordability of the options that we offer but also the uniqueness of the items that we have,” said Rebecca Johnson, regional manager for Goodwill stores in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Students Julian Cottrell and Jamiur Cuffie said they are getting ready for their senior year at Marquette University High School.
They both said they like the low prices and selection at Goodwill, along with being able to support the community with their purchases. Goodwill aims to help people find jobs and train them to be self-sufficient in the workforce.
“I get to come here and get some really nice clothes at a low price and I’m also supporting Goodwill and their mission providing jobs and things of that nature, so I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” said Cottrell.
