Shoppers across the city can get ready to indulge in some new digs while not breaking the bank. Resale shops in Detroit are beginning to become more popular and getting the look for less has become the name of the game. However, be careful when shopping. Though subtle in difference, consignment shops and thrift stores are of two different worlds.
Thrift stores have had a sordid fashion history at times carrying a stigma. But what was once frowned upon is gaining popularity, becoming the new way to shop. Thrift stores have long since been around, but any items for sale have not always been fashion forward. Thrift stores are coming into their own and are now a hotspot for fashionistas on a budget. Hunting down and locating unique, discontinued and one-of-a-kind items is the new high.
Thrift on the AVE, open since 2013, is a brick-and-mortar shop that also has items available online. With more than two decades in the game, the owner has an eye for fashion must-haves. Using her years of knowledge, the owner of Thrift on the AVE seeks to fashionably clothe every woman on a budget.
“We opened originally as a pop-up December 1, 2013. I’ve been thrifting for 20 plus years [and] I wanted to share my love of thrifting with the masses by helping women to look fabulous without breaking the bank,” says TaNisha D. Prater, proprietor and senior buyer for Thrift on the AVE. “The idea was thrift store meets Saks Fifth Ave. I enjoy helping people find fashionable pieces at affordable prices.”
Finding designer brands at affordable prices can be a chore. Emerging from the traditional idea of thrifting, consignment shops are taking over the landscape of re-homing gently used items. Unlike thrift stores, which typically support non-profits and provide tax-deductible credits for donations, consignment shops are for profit and are considered upscale due to their merchandise.
Detroit Closet, open since 2017, purchases gently used designer items from shoppers and resales them for profit. Black-owned, the resale shop located on Detroit’s west side on Wyoming and Fenkell carries an assortment of items from Nike to Fendi. With a history in luxury sales, the owner authenticates items in-house using knowledge gained from working for a high-end department store.
“I authenticate because I worked for Saks Fifth Avenue for five years so I have an eye for the designers because I sold it for a long time. I know the serial numbers and the stitching. You can tell the difference,” says Kenia Jones, owner of Detroit Closet.
Despite a once negative reputation, resale stores of all kinds continue to pop up across the city. Gaining traction, consignment and thrift stores are changing the landscape of wardrobe and expression.
“I believe people have gravitated towards individuality and enjoying freedom of expression. Thrifting allows the ability to do this affordably. Not to mention the fact that the quality of garments has changed considerably,” says Prater. “You are hard pressed to find great pieces unless you are willing to pay a pretty penny for it. I have found the absolute best vintage pieces by thrifting.”
Unlike brick-and-mortar boutiques, online stores or popular department stores, thrift stores and consignment shops typically carry only one of each item, helping to add to the lure of exclusivity. What is best is that for items that may be sold in abundance, the price point is much less at resale shops.
“I try to tell a lot of people it’s (thrifting) is very beneficial. We sell quality products that are gently used. You can go out to Somerset and see a purse for $1,500 and we could have that same purse for $500. So, for the same [item], you could save $1,000 and have that in your pocket. It’s worth investing in because you save so much money for the same look,” says Jones.
Across Detroit, resale shops carrying everything from high-end labels to more common brands are making it easier to update your closet. With a growing following, the thrift community is steadily increasing and sharing gems across the country.
“You basically have to reach out to the people because there is a big thrift following. You have to target them,” says Jones.
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