Out with the new, in with the old

Consignment is the hottest fashion trend. What is driving consumers to it?

Buying something secondhand from a consignment shop used to be something you’d never admit to someone out of sheer embarrassment. Now it’s completely brag-worthy.

Little girls used to go through their mothers' closets, looking at 70’s era bell-bottom jeans and sarcastically roll their eyes over Mom's fashion choices. Fast forward to the 90’s, and – bam! – bell-bottoms are back in style!

Thanks, Britney.

Just about everyone's mother had a shiny metallic blouse and a pair of matching heels, making their kids think, “Why would any normal person wear these?” Well, it’s 2021 and silver, gold, and bronze metallic heels are everywhere.

Either your mother knew something you didn’t, or she was simply one of those women who saves favorite fashion pieces, hoping they’ll fit one day and be trendy again.

And why not? Who’s to say what was fashionable then won’t be 'in' again next year?

In that spirit, consumers are turning to consignment shops in the hopes of snagging a one-of-a-kind vintage piece. There’s just something exciting about combing through racks of different clothes and seeing something pop out at you that just screams, “This is THE one!”

The thrill of a bargain

The explosion of outlet malls and consignment stores prove that there’s a growing niche market in returned stock and secondhand fashion.

Shoppers don’t mind driving 40+ minutes to snap up a great deal they won’t find in a regular store, and it’s not relegated to clothing, either. People sell artwork, china, crystal, decorative mirrors, furs, glassware, lighting, and more.

After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Consumers love to brag to their friends how they got something gorgeous for super-cheap, and vintage pieces can evoke strong feelings.

Being the first in your social circle to discover the newest fad, or simple nostalgia – these can cause powerful emotions.

So the old days of feeling awkward about consignment shopping are over. What are you waiting for? Go bargain hunting and score that incredible vintage piece that’ll knock everybody’s socks off!

What do YOU love about shopping consignment and secondhand? Let us know in the comments below.