50 Times People Found Something So Ridiculous At The Thrift Store They Just Had To Share

Back in the day, shopping second-hand was mostly for those who couldn't afford pricier clothes or were looking for one-of-a-kind items. Nowadays, thrifting has become a trend. According to a 2025 report by Capital One Shopping Centre, roughly 30% of all apparel bought in the U.S. was second-hand.

The folks who shared the items we see on this list aren't the only ones who noticed that thrifting isn't like it used to be. Experts estimate that the second-hand goods market can be valued at somewhere between $100 and $120 billion worldwide. So, if it's so profitable, why is a single roll of toilet paper over $1 at 'Goodwill'? Or is it so profitable because of the jacked-up prices?

One of the reasons second-hand items are more expensive nowadays is because of rising demand. People (especially younger ones) are more eco-conscious than ever and choose to shop sustainably. In fact, 67% of American consumers say that sustainability is a priority when shopping.

It's basic economics: when the demand for something increases, retailers tend to up their price—even if they're second-hand goods. What's more, many thrift stores have become aware of the real value of some of their items. That's especially true for consignment stores—second-hand shops where retailers sell items on behalf of their owners.

Thrifting expert and consignment store lover Jessie Frances of Cappuccinos & Consignment notes that some thrift stores began curating their selection in response to this growing demand. They're offering more items that may be of higher quality and made by famous brands. 

Many thrift stores would have designer bags, clothes, and accessories put behind glass in the past. But nowadays, there are smaller, more unique thrift stores offering only this kind of second-hand selection.

As thrifting has been gaining popularity, more stores are opening and more people are working in the stores themselves, but also at donation centers and even in logistics. Consider how big most thrift stores are and just think about how much they're paying for rent. This, together with wages, utilities, and logistical costs, really adds to the bottom line many thrift stores have to cover.

Second-hand online shopping has really taken off since the pandemic, too. Platforms like Vinted, ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop have become serious competitors to giants like the Salvation Army and Goodwill. Aside from the convenience (you can just log in and browse while having lunch or lulling yourself to sleep), many online sellers also offer lower prices, making physical stores less attractive.

There's also a serious downside to thrifting becoming so popular. People are noticing how it's becoming a form of fast fashion in itself. If you're a frequent thrifter, you may have seen items from Shein, Temu, and other fast fashion brands making the rounds at your favorite thrift shop.

According to Fashion Innovation, "The glorification of thrifting as the new and hip sustainable fashion trend encourages shopping addictions and overconsumption, which in turn contribute to similar issues we are trying to combat."

Years ago, most thrift stores were aimed at low-income individuals and contained affordable second-hand items. That's why the donated goods were usually priced lower—so they could afford them. Toronto Star's reporter May Warren suggests that the middle-class youths and teenagers flocking to thrift shops have changed the way thrift shops operate. 

Granted, there were and always will be second-hand and consignment shops dedicated to vintage designer clothes that are pricier. But with how popular thrifting has become, even places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army aren't as cheap as they used to be.

Experts say that the low-quality items also drive up the prices of decent or more luxurious second-hand goods. That was especially evident after the pandemic, when many people did so-called "closet cleanses." Thrift expert Jessie Frances also noticed that when thrift stores opened up again, there were lots of low-quality items in thrift shops.

That's why she urges people not to donate "junk". She notes how people would just bag up their clothes without researching how to properly get rid of them and donate them. "If you wouldn't bring the items into your home, you shouldn't assume others would," is her stance.

"Gone are the days of believing only people in specific income brackets thrift or that people should be thankful or #blessed to get your scraps."

Tell us your recent experiences at second-hand shops in the comments, thrifty Pandas! And if you're a fan of giving used items a second life, check out our previous articles about thrift items that should belong in a museum and these fantastic second-hand finds that might inspire you to take a trip to your local thrift store!