Shopping secondhand used to be something people did when they couldn’t afford to shop new, but these days it’s a $50 billion industry.

The secondhand culture is a growing phenomenon that can be attributed to both the rising cost of living and to social media. Trends like TikTok’s ThriftTok and #Secondhand have exploded over the last couple of years.

Columbus has a thriving secondhand scene with lots of thrift malls, stores and markets. We checked out two very different establishments, The Attic and The Vibe on 6th, to see what the local energy is about shopping vintage.

Thrifting in Columbus: Vibe on 6th and The Attic

Thrift malls, in Georgia and beyond, are more than just resale. Valdosta Today reports that “Georgia recently ranked as the top state most interested in buying secondhand.”

What used to be strictly about affordability has turned into a kind of cultural flex. These days, it’s part sustainability, part creativity, part social status.

At any given moment, you can find teenagers chasing Y2K nostalgia, parents trying to make a dollar stretch, activists trying to reduce their footprint or just looky-loos browsing around. It’s changing the way shoppers think about consumption and consumerism.

Michael Woodham and Candace Tilson are the proprietors of The Vibe on 6th, formerly Vintageville Vintage Market. This market embodies the contemporary take on thrifting and secondhand culture.

Woodham described The Vibe as being “sustainability-focused,” and the mission statement cosigns that idea.

Susan McBride, owner of The Attic, has a more traditional approach to secondhand shopping. McBride has been in the area for 25 years and hand-selects a lot of the items in her store.

She visits yard sales to curate items, and she personally chooses the vendors at The Attic. McBride prides herself on the community the space has created and says she’s had many loyal customers for many years.

These two approaches are an excellent metaphor for what is happening right now in the thrift culture.

TikTok made thrifting cool again

The online consignment company ThredUP predicts the U.S. secondhand market is expected to hit $73 billion by 2028.

You can thank the social media algorithm for the recent resurgence in popularity, and it’s turning up on every platform. Influencers are out there showing off “thrift hauls” like it’s Christmas morning, and resell apps like Depop and Poshmark are changing the game completely.

But it’s not just shopping for the young folks, it’s a way of life. The media and information platform Business of Apps, which serves as a hub for app industry statistics, suggests that Gen Z is especially on board: 90% of Depop users are under 26, and more than 40% of Gen Zers now call themselves thrifters.

Woodham and Tilson of The Vibe say these numbers are reflective of their customers. Tilson says that Columbus’ vintage scene is growing and now “it’s kids in high school… it’s the super trendy thing to do.” She says she loves “that the internet has shed a light on a community that was once was kind in the shadows.”

Buying brand new things? In this economy?

Let’s not forget the economic side of things.

With tariffs and global tension nudging retail prices higher, secondhand feels like the smart play. Clothes are more expensive than ever, and people are turning to thrift stores out of necessity as much as trendiness.

The Thrift Industry Report notes that 47% of current thrifters say they’re buying more used items simply because new stuff is too pricey.

A more sustainable shopping option

Thrifting is now part of a bigger shift toward sustainability. Every piece of clothing you buy secondhand is one less item heading to the landfill. It’s one small act of resistance against fast fashion and its not-so-pretty impact on the planet.

The not-so-pretty numbers:

Thrifting at local shops also keeps you connected to your community. McBride at The Attic told me, “I really do love the people. They’re kind and generous people, and they keep our lights on. We’re so grateful because we’re a little mom and pop business, and we have a good time doing what we do.

Thrift stores in Columbus

Joey’s Thrift Mall - 1100 10th Avenue Suite B
2nd & Charles - 3201 Macon Road
Salvation Army Thrift Store - 615 Manchester Expressway
Goodwill - find one near you
Breezeway Bargains & Thrift - 5828 Moon Road Suite J
Tam’s Thrift and Things - 2420 Hamilton Road #8536
Mickaylas Place - 3151 Williams Road Suite A
Twice Blessed Thrift Store - 1973 Torch Hill Road
Price Is Right Resell - 1514 10th Avenue A-5
Valley Rescue Mission - 7553 Veterans Parkway
New For You Consignment Boutique - 4405 Armour Road Suite A
The Sassy Revival - 1420 19th Street Apartment A
Drip U - 5300 Sidney Simons Boulevard Suite 13
The River Market Antiques - 3218 Hamilton Road
Gallerie 143 - 513 14th Street
Curated Collections Estate Sales and Consignment - 2357 Warm Springs Road

What do the thrifting newbies need to know? Share some advice for the uninitiated, or pose some questions for the veterans.

Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

price-check

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