Across The Register: What It's Like To Own A Thrift Store
A thrift store, also known as a second hand store, is a retail establishment that sells used goods at discounted prices. These goods can include clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, household items, books, electronics, and more. Thrifting is a great way to promote sustainable fashion and reduce the environmental impact of the clothing industry. By purchasing second hand clothing from thrift stores, you are extending the lifespan of these garments that would otherwise end up in landfills. Thrift stores are often operated by nonprofit organizations, however some are family owned, like Pikitos and Eye Thrift located in the Mission District of San Francisco.
Located on 19th and Mission Street, Pikitos is a family owned thrift store owned and operated by Joel Cruz Garcia, a 22 year old Bay Area native, and his mother since its opening in 2010. Garcia says his best advice for new thrifters to remember is “don't get discouraged, the treasures are usually hidden. Look through everything”. Garcia also explains that when it comes down to picking what clothes will be displayed at Pikitos, he does not overthink it, saying, “personally, I pick what clothes we put out just based on what I think people would like, not on specific current trends”. When asking Garcia what his favorite part of thrifting and owning a thrift store was, he explained, “everyone can thrift, that's the beauty of it. Whether someone is looking for clothes, shoes, collectibles or even furniture, there's something for everyone.” Owning a thrift store is a constant cycle of restocking clothing and items based on customer demand. Thrift store owners are taking a gamble when bringing in new pieces so it is key for them to examine what is trending at the moment, as trends change very often.
Pikitos store front Source: Facebook
Pikitos thrift store inspired another thrift store to open in the Mission District, Eye Thrift located on 23rd and Valencia street. Jennifer Salazar, a 25 year old Bay Area native, cousin of the young Pikitos owner, Joel Cruz Garcia, opened up her own store calling it Eye Thrift after learning first hand about her cousin’s experience. Opening a little over a year ago in June of 2022, Eye Thrift is the newest thrift store in the Mission neighborhood. Salazar explains her process when choosing which clothes to bring into Eye Thrift, “Picking out the clothing is all about making sure the clothing is in great condition. Meaning no holes, no stains, no armpit stains, and zippers are all functioning. We also try our hardest to look for brand-named things such as Lululemon, Nike, Adidas, Madewell, Athleta, ect. For our vintage pieces, we try our hardest to take out the stains and sell as is, the older the shirt, the more value it holds.” Speaking to Salazar, it is obvious she has a clear passion for thrifting, and some great tips for those who don't have much experience. “My tip for new thrifters is sometimes you’ll find things and sometimes you won’t. That is the great experience about thrifting. There will be days where you come across some rare vintage pieces, things that are worth value, and other times you’ll walk out empty handed, but that's the thrill of never knowing what you’ll end up receiving”.
Jennifer Salazar, owner of Eye Thrift. Source: SF New Deal
Thrift stores offer an affordable alternative to buying new items, and they can be a great place to find unique and vintage pieces. Many people enjoy shopping at thrift stores because it allows them to save money and reduce waste. “Thrifting is so convenient for all age groups. Right now thrifting has really caught the attention of teenagers which saves their parents so much money. Elderly people are really attracted to our $1 rack and they pass by everyday”, says Salazar. New to the thrifting business, Salazar has gained much knowledge on running her own store, doing what she loves. “The thing I love most about owning a thrift shop is all the different kinds of clothing I come across and the community world of thrifting. I’ve found so many different kinds of clothing that it helped me change my own style. I also love the recycling aspect of owning a thrift shop. Everything is used and it's in its best condition and we encourage you to buy at thrift stores and limit the fast fashion industry”. Salazar explained that opening Eye Thrift has been quite the experience, stating “opening a business has been one of the most rewarding, yet scariest things we have done throughout this journey.” When speaking to Salazar about future plans for Eye Thrift, she has big ambitions for her business, “the future goals are to expand Eyethrift to New York City and take over the East Coast Thrifting scene.”
Overall, thrift stores provide an opportunity to give used items a second life and promote sustainable consumption. Supporting your local and family owned thrift stores is not only good for the economy but shows your support through all the hard work and dedication it takes for store owners to run the store. The best tip for thrifting and the most important to keep in mind is to dig around, some of the best treasures are hidden. You can turn any old item into something new if you have a vision. Spend less, find unique pieces and shop at your local thrift store.