ST Picks: Is S’pore’s thrift store scene losing its way?

Thrift stores were traditionally charity shops such as The Salvation Army, which sold donated items, or eclectic ones lining old malls with piles of second-hand clothing. SINGAPORE - New-age thrift stores here have come under scrutiny in recent months after several were accused of masquerading new clothes from fast fashion sources as second-hand ones. Fast fashion refers to low-quality apparel that is rapidly produced to follow current industry trends.

Stores selling a mix of new and second-hand clothes fought back against the allegations, saying they had never claimed to be thrift stores – despite many shoppers assuming so. The incidents sparked two questions within the community: What is the true definition of “thrift”? And have the once-noble motivations of thrifting gone awry? The evolution of thrifting Several patrons of thrift shops The Straits Times spoke to, who have been thrifting for at least five years, remember a time when these were meant to provide those with lower incomes affordable second-hand items. Thrift stores were traditionally charity shops such as The Salvation Army, which sold donated items, or eclectic ones lining old malls with piles of second-hand clothing.

Thrift shops later gained momentum with younger folk, especially the environmentally conscious, as an affordable means to reuse existing clothes and reduce waste generated by the fashion industry. Most thrifted clothes traditionally sell for under $5 per item. On occasion, there are gems, s.