Monday was National Thrift Shop Day, which celebrates second-hand items, and some Halifax thrift stores like Mission Mart marked the occasion with a 10 per cent discount. “I’m just happy to bring awareness to the environmental impact of keeping things out of the landfill. Also, with the rising costs of household goods, you can give something a second life just by shopping thrift,” says Michelle Porter, Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission CEO. Mission Mart had quite the line up Monday afternoon. Shoppers had packed carts and everyone seemed to be on the hunt for something unique. Diane Barrett has been a thrifter for years. She loves to find a good deal and save some money. “I’m into a lot of things, watches, electronics, I do like clothing, shoes, footwear like these vintage pairs of Nike’s, they’re awesome,” says Barrett, who was shopping at Mission Mart. Adele Markell is always looking to add to her hat collection. “Definitely clothes, shirts and tops, that type of thing and hats, I add to my 100-piece hat collection that I have at home,” says Markell. Porter says years over year the number of shoppers continues to climb. “Mission Mart grows busier every single year. We have not had a month where customers have not increased since 2018,” says Porter. The Salvation Army Thrift Store has also seen this same trend. Wendy Woodland, the Salvation Army’s public relations divisional secretary, says the trend is mainly among young people. “Thrifting has become kind of a thing to do. Let’s go thrifting, everyone wants to find those vintage items. They want to live a little more affordably and also with increased need for people there is an increase in traffic at the thrift stores,” says Woodland. At places like The Salvation Army Thrift Store, the purchases go back to helping those in need. “The thrift store has been such a pinnacle part of what the Salvation Army does, those funds go back. People are buying quality items and stretching their money but then the funds raised are going back to support so many people in so many ways, from food to shelter, transitional programs, getting themselves back on their feet,” says Woodland. Woodland says because summer is nearing an end, the store has a 50 per cent blowout on many items. They are looking to clear out their summer inventory to make room for the next season. Every shopper has their own reason for taking part in second-hand shopping. “I’m beating the cost of living. I could go to a store and get a blouse for 45 or come here and get it for $8,” says Markell. “I guess the treasures and also you save a lot of money and you are recycling and for stores like this one the money, it’s a charitable store so it goes to a good cause,” says Barrett. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
