Some B.C. residents can’t seem to catch a break thanks to the constant struggle with the cost of living, and it’s fuelling a rise in thrifting habits.
New data is highlighting this rise.
Habitat for Humanity is an organization with a goal to make home ownership more accessible to families. Meanwhile, Habitat ReStore sells new and used furniture and home goods at reduced prices.
A survey conducted by Habitat for Humanity ReStore reveals that 83 per cent of British Columbian residents think that thrifting makes sense due to the economic climate and cost of living in Canada, and a further 61 per cent plan to thrift sometime in the next year.
B.C. leads the pack in many ways, according to the survey. B.C. residents are the most likely Canadians to see the environmental benefits of thrifting. Ninety-three per cent of respondents said it makes sense “given the amount of waste we produce.”
The national average was 83 per cent.
Seventy per cent of respondents agree that thrifting has become a mainstream part of shopping culture.
Daily Hive heard from ReStore Director Lisa Voycey about some of the findings.
“Whether it’s a student setting up their first apartment, someone taking on a home renovation or refreshing their space, thrifting offers a practical way to shop. Even in a tight economy, people want to make their homes livable and beautiful,” Voycey said.
We asked Voycey how consumer trends have changed over the past 10 years or so.
“ReStores have continued to evolve to meet the needs of Canadians. What began as one store selling surplus building materials has grown to over 100 stores across Canada, where you’ll find furniture, building materials, home decor, and even new clothing and accessories.”
ReStore buyers can also find new items, not just pre-owned stuff.
Regarding the environment, Voycey says one of the biggest ways thrifting helps is by keeping usable items out of the landfill.
“When you thrift, you’re giving products a longer life instead of adding to growing waste. It’s something Canadians, especially British Columbians, recognize too,” Voycey added.
Voycey said that thrifting helps move things toward “a more circular way of shopping” and added that ReStores have diverted over one million pounds of goods from landfills since it started back in 1991.
“Thrifting also helps move things toward a more circular way of shopping, which can make a big difference in reducing waste and conserving resources over time,” Voycey said.
Have you turned to thrifting to save money?