Words by Hannah Mahon (she/her)

Second hand shopping isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s becoming increasingly popular. What’s not to love about finding one-of-a-kind pieces, being thrifty with your budget, and helping the planet all at once! Thrifting is like adult-style treasure hunting. Sometimes you leave with nothing after a whole day's worth of sifting through clothes, but on other days you find something amazing.

Unfortunately, the mere mention of clothes that have already been worn by someone else can freak people out and stop them buying second hand. But the overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment you feel when you find a second hand gem should overshadow any fear. Here are some handy tips for second hand newbies and seasoned professionals:

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DO:

Bring the essentials

You will need: reusable bag; water bottle; wallet.

Start small

If you’re new to this, it’s easier to start at a smaller op-shop than a big warehouse op-shop like Save Mart. Try your local Mary Potter Hospice! Stores like these are less overwhelming and have what you need without the bigger prices of higher-end stores.

Allocate enough time

Second hand shopping often takes longer than anticipated, so don’t rush it. Remember to take your time and scour through the whole store, not just the obvious places.

Be open-minded

Second hand shopping is unpredictable. You’re more likely to find cool things when you aren’t shopping for a specific piece. Don’t be afraid to delve into unknown territory. Some areas to check out are the hat bins, scarf racks, and cabinets that are filled with gorgeous jewellery and sunglasses.

The essence of second hand shopping is maximising an item's potential, so try experimenting with DIY! If you’re looking for ripped and distressed jeans, but can’t find any, just find some perfect-fitting jeans to cut and grate yourself.

DON’T:

Buy large sized clothes if you don’t need them

Smaller-sized people who buy extra large clothes purely to achieve the 'baggy aesthetic' should be aware that plus-size people often struggle to find items in their size. You may be taking clothes away from people that need them more, especially when buying from a charity store, where those with limited funds may get their everyday clothing.

Put items back randomly

Make sure to put items back where you found them in the store. This makes shopping easier for others. It also eases the workload of staff, particularly at charity stores where most staff are volunteers.

Bulk buy

Don’t just buy something because it’s cheap and hope that you’ll wear it. Think about what you’re buying and whether it’s something that you will get a lot of wear out of. Part of being a sustainable consumer is being a mindful consumer.

Not all stores are the same. Choose the type of store that works best for you depending on your budget, whether you’re an online shopper, or if you like to try before you buy. The range varies from online personal sellers all the way to expensive vintage.

Types Of Stores

Online

Sitting at home and scrolling is becoming the norm when shopping, so it’s no surprise that everyday people are taking the opportunity to sell things they don’t wear anymore. This form of second hand shopping usually connects buyers with individual sellers. Prices vary widely depending on the item and the location.

Some online stores include: Facebook MarketPlace, Designer Wardrobe, TradeMe, Depop.

Facebook groups: Wet Rat, Walk in Wardrobe - Cheap Clothing (NZ).

Instagram pages: @_thesecondhandclub, @madsecondhand, @rino_by_siobhan.

Op Shop

Op-shops are often charity-run stores that sell donated second hand goods. They are the perfect place to find what you need at a low price. Op-shops are great if you have the time to rummage through random things to find that perfect piece of clothing. It’s also the best place to take your friends, pick out the ugliest outfits and say that they’d look great in them!

(Charities): Salvation Army Family Stores, Mary Potter Hospice, St Vincent de Paul/Vinnies, Opportunity for Animals, Aunty Dana's Op Shop.

(Business): Save Mart.

Boutique

Clothes and accessories at a boutique second hand store go through a selection process before they make it onto the racks. This is arguably the most popular method of second hand shopping. It’s convenient while still being budget-friendly. These stores have a wide array of styles and brands in both menswear and womenswear that have been handpicked from the duds. You’re more likely to find what you’re looking for at a price that's suitable for you,so everyone is a winner.

Some boutique stores in Pōneke are Paperbag Princess, Repeats,Recycle Boutique, Thrift, Spacesuit, Soup Fashion Recovery.

Vintage

If you have a decent-sized wallet and you’re into gorgeous, branded vintage pieces, these are the stores for you. Unlike op shops, vintage stores are curated and feature rare goods that have a higher price tag.

Some vintage stores in Pōneke are Hunters & Collectors, Ziggurat, Honour, Helter Skelter, Recidivist, Tangent & Company

Places I Rate

There are so many great op shops around Pōneke, but as a fresh graduate that has limited funds these are at the top of my list:

The Salvation Army; 224 Taranaki Street, Te Aro

★★★★★

The Salvation Army Family Stores help families on tight budgets access good quality second hand items for cheap prices, and help raise money for other Salvation Army community projects. While I personally don’t mind supporting the Salvation Army, some buyers may be put off by this being a faith-based charity. At the end of the day, the choice is yours!

The store is very accessible. It has a wheelchair ramp and a large open-space layout
Lots of parking
Easy drop off and pick up
Great finds (there must be local fashion icons who drop off their stuff here)
Affordable

Recycle Boutique; 143 Vivian Street, Te Aro