Imagine walking down the aisles of a thrift store, and you stumble across a gem that anywhere else would be $50, but here, it is $10. Instead of shopping at big box stores this holiday, you can consider a more ethical solution — thrifting to find little treasures.
Thrift stores are seen as places for lower-income shoppers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. In 2021, Generation Z helped bring back thrifting.
Thrift stores are not only good for people on a tight budget, but many also support local communities or charities. Because thrift stores sell secondhand clothing, they help reduce the amount of clothes that end up in landfills. Not only are you supporting a community rather than big companies, but you’re also helping the environment.
Target, Amazon and Home Depot are facing boycotts this winter season. Target has rolled back its DEI program, taking out its LGBTQ+ products, as well as supporting fewer Black-owned businesses. Amazon is funding the administration to keep its corporate tax cut and contributes to harsh working conditions for their employees.
During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many people participated in a “Mass Blackout” by not supporting these businesses. The focus of the blackouts is to go into the community and support local businesses.
St. George has many thrift store options, from traditional shops to stores where locals rent booths. There is something for everyone.
Saint George Catholic Church Thrift Store
The Saint George Catholic Church Thrift Store sits next to the church at 157 N. 200 W. The store supports the community by donating to charities and providing vouchers for clothing, shoes and small goods for those in need. You can volunteer by reaching out to store manager Gabrielle Rickman. The shop offers clothes, blankets, dishware, electronics, TVs, furniture and more. New donations and items arrive daily.
“We have a Christmas section that is up year round,” Rickman said. “We get Christmas items in, and we keep them very inexpensive.”
The store’s sales change monthly. This month, items are priced as low as 50 cents.
Store hours:
Tuesday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Switchpoint Thrift Store
Switchpoint Thrift Store, located at 935 N. 1300 W. #7, works directly with the local homeless shelter.
“It’s a nonprofit organization. We have a homeless shelter here across the street, and all the money we make goes to the shelter,” said Switchpoint employee Eli Greenway, a sophomore criminal justice major from Kaysville.
Switchpoint also has a food pantry, and does work within the community, Greenway said.
The nonprofit sells items from clothing to kid toys. They sell mostly clothes, which is where students can get the most out of their money.
Store hours:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Indy Clover
Indy Clover, located at 250 Red Cliffs Drive, Suite 28, is a thrift-style store where anyone can rent a booth to sell their items.
“A booth rental is $30 and they can decide their own prices for their items. Items can range from clothes to home decor,” said worker Lacey Swaney. “No open products, food or electronics are allowed.”
Every Thursday and Friday, the store offers discount days when sellers mark items down 25% to 75%. Many items still have tags.
“I think it’s good to remind people that just because it’s secondhand doesn’t mean it’s not good quality,” Swaney said.
Saturday is new booth day, when new items typically arrive. It is one of the store’s busiest days.
Store hours:
Monday through Thursday, and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Runway Fashion Exchange
Runway Fashion Exchange, located at 250 Red Cliffs Drive #0A, is where people can sell clothes for cash or buy secondhand items. The store focuses primarily on clothing, with denim being its most popular item.
“The best thing about us is that you can get quick cash or store credit here if you bring stuff in,” said worker Kenadee Mullins, a senior media studies major from Riverton. “We offer a 10% off discount for college students.”
The store sells quality items from name-brand retailers. Workers sort through items and select those in the best condition. Many pieces come from larger stores such as Kohl’s or Zara. New inventory is added daily.
Runway also stocks trendier items and even organizes brand sections, including areas dedicated to Zara and Free People.
This is a thrifting tip Mullins shared: “Check everywhere. Look at everything. You never know what you’ll find, and check every size because people can hide items.”
Store Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
