If you walk into Goodwill and browse the price tags of various items, there is a high chance that most prices have increased significantly over the years. The rising costs reflect the growing trend of thrifting but also harms the people who look at it as something affordable. What was once considered a budget-friendly way to shop, has now become something that raises the question: has the rise of thrifting as a trend made it harder for those who need it most?

Over the last few years, thrifting has become popular quickly, mainly because of social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. What was once a small known hobby for people looking for unique items, as well as people looking for a more affordable way to shop, has become a mainstream trend embraced by influencers and trendsetters. For many, thrifting is now a creative hobby and a way to express one’s individuality, such as junior Xymena Ortiz. 

“I got introduced to thrifting because of the sudden trend but with time I began to see how much I saved on money through thrifting rather than shopping at [name brand] stores,” Ortiz said. “I also noticed all the interesting finds that fit my style were not usually found in regular clothing stores, and if they were, [they] did not feel authentic. Thrifting provided unique, authentic clothes I wanted.”

But, for shoppers who rely on thrift stores for affordable clothing, those higher prices are a rising issue. What was reliable access to cheaper essentials has become less predictable as most thrift stores raise prices to adjust for increasing demand.

But, while some thrifters shop wanting to find unique items for themselves, others like junior Noah Sabal have turned it into a way to earn extra cash. The rise of reselling—buying clothing for low prices at thrift stores and selling them for higher on platforms like Depop or Poshmark—has changed how many view secondhand shopping, including students at BVH. These people are beginning to view it as a quick way to make money instead of ways to obtain these items themselves.

“I began reselling about a year ago when I discovered Depop as a platform. Since then, I have continued to thrift not only to find pieces for my own wardrobe, but as a way to make money to purchase pieces I wish I had found at the thrift store,” Sabal said.

Still, many people have different opinions on whether reselling is really the reason for prices rising at the thrift store. Some argue that inflation on everyday items and the cost of living have more to do with the rise of prices than resellers. 

“I do not believe that resellers contribute to higher prices at the thrift store because the prices I buy clothes [at] are relatively low compared to other stores or shops,” Ortiz said. “The increase in pricing, to me, has been more so to keep up with the economy rather than for their own benefit or exploitation.”

Even students who thrift regularly agree that accessibility to low prices has not completely disappeared. Students feel as if the clothing offered at these given thrift stores remain the same price even due to the large popularity of it. 

“Yes, I think thrifting is still accessible,” Sabal said. “Although it has definitely become a trend, I feel [like] I still see the same contingency of shoppers who are struggling economically as I did before I started. I think stores realize that and are trying to remain accessible to everyone.”

Others however, like senior David Posada have seen small shifts in pricing. “I have definitely seen some increases in prices, especially for specific items like jeans and hoodies,” Posada said. “To an extent, resellers can contribute to prices increasing because companies take notice of what seems to be trending and then raise prices for more money.”

“I believe that for stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army to survive under current economic circumstances, they must raise prices, not because of resellers.  I think the fact that it remains accessible to everyone reflects that,” Sabal said.

While yes, economic circumstances affect the thrift store prices, the raised prices also affect the people who rely on secondhand stores primarily. Thrifting’s growing appeal has made it both a celebration of sustainability but also, a growing trend of inequality. As long as thriftshopping continues to trend, prices may continue to go up-raising concern of whether thrifting can stay true to its roots-affordable. Once a place for needs, now a space for trends, thrifting is at a crossroads. The question is not whether it is fashionable-it is whether everyone can still afford to secondhand shop.