Thrift stores do more than sell secondhand items – they strengthen communities, save money, and reduce waste.

Here’s how:

  • Save Money: Shopping secondhand helps families save up to $1,800 annually.
  • Boost Local Economies: Thrift stores create jobs and reinvest revenue into local programs like mental health services, literacy initiatives, and homelessness support.
  • Reduce Waste: Americans throw away 70 pounds of clothing per person yearly. Thrift stores give items a second life, keeping them out of landfills.
  • Support Causes: Many stores fund critical programs, from addiction recovery to job training for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
  • Build Community: Thrift stores serve as social hubs, offering affordable goods, volunteer opportunities, and events that bring neighbors together.

Every purchase or donation at a thrift store directly benefits the environment, local economy, and people in need.

 

Money Matters: Local Economic Impact

Thrift stores do more than just offer affordable shopping – they play a key role in strengthening local economies. In 2020 alone, thrift stores in the U.S. generated over $17 billion in revenue, creating a ripple effect of financial benefits in neighborhoods. Let’s break down how these benefits translate into jobs and community support.

Creating Local Jobs

Thrift stores are often a lifeline for individuals who face challenges in finding traditional employment. These stores provide job opportunities through tailored programs for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those reentering the workforce.

“All the donations that we get from our stores fund the program and give opportunities to people with disabilities whether it be homelessness or physical disabilities.” – Madelyn Torres, Goodwill Supervisor

At City Thrift, employment isn’t just about a paycheck – it’s about empowerment. Employees receive job training, professional development, and opportunities to advance into long-term careers in retail management and operations, helping them achieve financial independence.

Funding Community Programs

Revenue from thrift store sales often goes right back into the community, supporting critical initiatives. For instance, the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor generated more than $2 million in sales receipts during the fiscal year ending April 2025. These funds support programs such as:

  • Teen mental health services
  • Nutrition and educational initiatives
  • Literacy programs
  • Refugee assistance

City Thrift takes a similar approach, channeling its proceeds to City Union Mission’s efforts to combat homelessness and poverty. This creates a cycle where every purchase directly contributes to helping neighbors in need.

Keeping Dollars Local

When people shop at City Thrift, their money stays within the community, boosting local businesses and services.

“Thrift shopping is important because it minimizes fast fashion and overspending on goods.” – Jensolin Abitha Kumari J.

City Thrift’s model ensures that every purchase supports local programs while helping families save money. These savings often get reinvested into other neighborhood businesses, creating a stronger local economy. This reinvestment fuels broader community benefits, which will be explored further in the next section.

These economic advantages also pave the way for environmental benefits, which we’ll dive into next.

 

Reducing Waste Through Second-Hand Shopping

Thrift shopping isn’t just about finding great deals; it’s also a powerful way to reduce waste and protect resources. By giving items a second life, thrift stores help cut down on waste and conserve materials, contributing to healthier communities and a cleaner environment.

Keeping Items Out of Landfills

One of the most immediate benefits of thrift shopping is its role in keeping usable items out of landfills. The numbers are staggering – Americans generate over 16 million tons of textile waste every year, which accounts for more than 6% of all municipal waste. On top of that, over 9 million tons of furniture are discarded annually, much of it ending up in landfills. By extending the life of donated goods, thrift stores help reduce this waste and ease the demand for resource-heavy manufacturing.

Reducing the Demand for New Production

Opting for second-hand goods also means fewer new items need to be produced. The fashion industry alone churns out 100 billion clothing items annually, with 92 million tons of those ending up in landfills. The environmental cost of production is enormous, making just one cotton shirt use over 700 gallons of water. Choosing a pre-owned garment instead of buying new can slash carbon emissions by about 25%. Thrift shopping not only lessens waste but also encourages smarter, more sustainable production and recycling habits.

Smarter Recycling Programs

Thrift stores like City Thrift take recycling to the next level by carefully managing donations. Items are displayed for 4-6 weeks, with prices adjusted periodically to encourage sales. Unsold goods are then processed through recycling programs, which include textile recycling, material recovery, and bulk salvage. Local recycling partnerships ensure that even items that don’t sell are put to good use, minimizing landfill contributions. Given that only 10-30% of donated clothing typically gets purchased, these recycling efforts are vital. They also help offset the average disposal costs of $45 per ton for textiles.

 

Building Stronger Communities

Thrift stores aren’t just about shopping – they’ve become gathering spots where neighbors connect, lend a hand, and form meaningful relationships. They make everyday necessities affordable while fostering a sense of togetherness.

Low-Cost Shopping Options

As living expenses rise, thrift stores are stepping up as a lifeline for many families. 4 out of 5 people turn to secondhand shopping when budgets are tight. Stores like City Thrift keep prices low on everything from daily essentials to formal wear, ensuring accessibility for everyone. This is particularly helpful for job seekers who need professional clothing without the hefty price tags of retail stores.

“I think that thrifting is such a neat thing because it does help used things get a new life. And it means that people who maybe are not able to buy items new can go to the store to shop for whatever reason.”
– Oliver Lewis

By providing affordable options, thrift stores help families stretch their dollars while maintaining their dignity.

Emergency Aid Programs

Thrift stores go beyond affordability – they’re also a critical source of emergency support for families in need. For instance, The Salvation Army directs 95% of its thrift store revenue to local programs like food pantries, addiction recovery services, and after-school activities. City Thrift partners with City Union Mission to offer emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and other essentials.

These efforts have a real, measurable impact. Take Switchpoint Community Resource Center, for example: its thrift store revenue funds programs that support individuals facing homelessness.

“The only requirement we have for our program is that you’re broken. It doesn’t matter who you are or what color you are or anything, we’re here to fix people.”
– Scott Paul

This combination of direct aid and community-focused programs strengthens neighborhoods in ways that go far beyond financial help.

Bringing People Together

Thrift stores also shine as social hubs. Many shoppers come not just for the bargains but for the sense of community. At City Thrift, events like sustainability workshops, special sales, and partnerships with local organizations bring neighbors together. Volunteer programs, like those at Mission Thrift Store, deepen these connections by involving the community in store operations and offering rewards for loyal participation.

“People don’t primarily shop thrift because they need more stuff… But people shop for social reasons…. We see more customers come just because they like the social aspects of interacting with our staff and each other and finding that deal. Just enjoying that whole experience more so than just needing more product.”
– Craig Pedersen, Hope Gospel Mission

These interactions create vibrant, connected neighborhoods where everyone feels welcome. Thrift stores, through their events and programs, cultivate spaces where relationships grow and communities thrive.

 

Ways to Help Your Local Thrift Store

Thrift shopping doesn’t just save you money – it also strengthens your community. By supporting your local thrift store, you can contribute to financial, environmental, and social improvements that benefit everyone.

What and How to Donate

Donations are the backbone of any thrift store, keeping shelves stocked and funding essential community programs. Before donating, make sure your items are clean and in good working order. City Thrift, for example, accepts a wide range of items, from clothing to household goods, all of which help fund City Union Mission’s initiatives.

If you have larger items like furniture, many thrift stores offer free pickup services. This not only makes donating more convenient but also helps keep usable items out of landfills while supporting local causes.

Smart Shopping Tips

Shopping at thrift stores can save you money while amplifying your impact on the community. To get the most out of your trip, try shopping early on weekday mornings when new items are freshly stocked. Take your time to inspect items carefully and focus on one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Here are a couple of tips for shopping effectively at City Thrift:

  • Shop with a Plan
    Stick to specific sections and set a budget to avoid overspending.
  • Think About Upcycling
    Look for items you can creatively reuse or repurpose. This reduces waste and supports local programs at the same time.

Every thoughtful purchase you make contributes to a stronger, more connected community.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at City Thrift is a hands-on way to support City Union Mission’s work while building connections within your community. Volunteers play a key role in keeping operations running smoothly by:

  • Sorting and tagging donations
  • Assisting customers and testing products
  • Setting up merchandise displays
  • Photographing items for online listings

City Thrift offers flexible scheduling options and even group volunteering opportunities. These efforts directly support the same programs funded by the store, creating a meaningful cycle of giving back. Reach out to your local City Thrift store to learn how you can get involved.

 

Small Actions, Big Community Impact

Every donation, purchase, and volunteer hour at City Thrift fuels meaningful change in our community. The results are clear: reusing just 1,000 tons of clothing prevents about 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions. That’s a real difference, showing how thoughtful choices can reshape the world around us.

The growing numbers in the resale market highlight a shift in how people approach consumption. More and more, communities are leaning into responsible habits that prioritize sustainability and mindful living.

With 85% of textiles still ending up in landfills, every item donated or purchased at City Thrift helps break this damaging cycle while also strengthening local connections. It’s a win-win for both people and the planet.

Thrift shopping offers a triple advantage: it supports local charities, provides affordable goods, and promotes environmental care. Choosing second-hand items can even cut your carbon footprint by an average of 25%, all while backing City Union Mission’s vital programs that uplift our community.

Whether you’re donating, shopping, or volunteering, your actions matter. Through City Thrift, these small, everyday decisions add up to a lasting and positive impact on the place we all call home.

 

FAQs

How do thrift stores help reduce waste and protect the environment?

Thrift stores are a fantastic way to cut down on waste by extending the life of items that might otherwise end up in landfills. When you choose to shop secondhand, you’re directly reducing the need for new products to be made. This helps save resources and energy used in manufacturing, which, in turn, lowers pollution and lessens the strain caused by overproduction.

Many thrift stores also take it a step further by recycling or repurposing items they can’t sell, ensuring even less waste is generated. Opting for thrift shopping isn’t just about finding unique treasures – it’s a step toward adopting eco-friendly habits that contribute to a cleaner, healthier community.

How do thrift stores benefit local communities?

Thrift stores are a cornerstone for building stronger local communities. They channel their earnings into crucial programs such as job training, housing support, and outreach services, providing direct assistance to people who need it most. Many of these stores also work hand-in-hand with nonprofits to offer essentials like clothing vouchers and budget-friendly goods to families navigating financial hardships.

Beyond community programs, thrift stores play a key role in job creation, often extending employment opportunities to individuals from underserved backgrounds. They also champion sustainability by cutting down on waste and giving pre-loved items a new purpose. This not only helps the planet but also enriches the local area. Whether you’re donating or shopping, every action contributes to something bigger!

What are some ways to support your local thrift store besides shopping?

There are plenty of ways to support your local thrift store beyond shopping. For starters, you can volunteer your time by pitching in with tasks like sorting donations, organizing shelves, or helping customers. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to give back while building connections within your community.

Another great way to help is by donating gently used items – think clothing, furniture, or household goods. These contributions ensure the store stays stocked with affordable options for others. You could also get involved by participating in fundraising events or joining forces on community projects that the store might sponsor, broadening its positive impact on local programs and services.

Even small efforts can make a big difference, helping your thrift store support the community, create jobs, and encourage sustainable practices.