It’s not just your imagination—a new trend has taken Australia by storm, turning ‘fast fashion’ into ‘fast thrifting.’
With mega US stores like Savers popping up down under, it’s clear: thrifting has gripped everyone from Gen Z to Boomers.
Fast thrifting in Australia
As reported by Inside Retail Australia, three out of four Aussies are now shopping for second-hand products.
The trend, however, is not solely focused on fashion. It’s swamping electronics, furniture, and even cars to create a $46 billion industry.
Once the secret of frugal grandmas and quirky collectors, thrifting now sees over 75% of Australians hunting for pre-loved treasures.
So, why the shift to thrift? It’s straightforward.
Thrifting:
- stretches the lifespan of items,
- slashes the need for recycling, and
- keeps stuff out of landfills.
That’s a win for your wallet and the planet!
Fast thrifting challenges
But not everyone’s on board just yet. Many believe the new thrift craze simply came about because we buy too much junk.
That may very well be true. Cheap products and relentless ads dominating our social media feeds have fueled a trend of ‘buy-and-discard.’
And the cycle is hard to break. How many times have you seen a second-hand item with tags still on? Labeled as ‘pre-loved’ white most products haven’t even been loved once.
ALSO READ: Fast fashion’s dirty secret: How Shein became a climate villain
Second-hand market goes mega
Even big retailers are diving into the resale pool.
Apple’s Trade-In, Ikea’s ‘As-Is’ section, and local Aussie faves like The Iconic and Officeworks are all playing the resale game.
This is where ‘Slow Consumption’ enters the game. It’s like ‘Slow Food’ but for shopping.
This trend is all about choosing quality over quantity:
- Goods that last
- Goods that can be fixed, and
- Goods that won’t end up in next week’s trash.
Hence, many shoppers are now cutting down on impulse buys, focusing on quality and sustainability over quantity and cost.
By choosing quality over quantity, we ensure a healthier planet and a more sustainable fashion industry.
NOW READ: Australia’s fast fashion waste crisis: 93% ends up in landfills
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About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
