From all types of used, vintage clothing and random art pieces looking for a new home to many other vibrant items that can bring a breath of fresh air to your environment, the thrift scene is the right place to find it all.
Online thrifting has made second-hand shopping and reselling easier for the introverted or busy New Yorker. Sites like Depop, Poshmark, Instagram and other popular platforms allow people to secure vintage, high-end items or essentials at prices they can’t find anywhere else. Those who prefer to find these goods in person can relish finding many stores to choose from. Sites like Yelp make it easier for underprivileged communities or curious city-goers to find the best stores with good deals and discounts. To many, thrift sites and shops are a necessity, especially in a costly city where the average rent is $3,784.
Unlike trendy thrift areas like Bushwick, NoHo, and the East Village, Harlem thrift stores are not only filled with the essentials but also with a colorful and impactful history that has supported residents through years of community dedication.
Thrifting culture in Harlem dates back to 1997, when The Sharing Place, a staple in the East Harlem community, was started through Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service (LSA), which provides all types of assistance for East Harlem families.
The store has given residents the chance to buy high-quality clothing, footwear, accessories, house appliances, and more at low prices. It accepts donations to continue its mission of aiding the support programs at the LSA Family Health Service.
The community aims to give back to its members and strives to continue that legacy. Other shops in the area have the same goal.
St. Mary’s Manhattanville began to aid its community in 1823 by following its motto: “Be not afraid!” through various means. Their thrift store, launched well after their establishment, includes a well-priced wide selection of vintage and high-end clothing and other items.
The 201-year-old church has a food pantry, a free medical clinic, and is a shelter for refugees and asylum seekers.
Like these stores, online thrift sites can benefit consumers and sellers by offering valuable goods at low costs. Anyone can resell their used or vintage clothing; the shipping process is straightforward.
Unsurprisingly, it has become a popular side job for some and a community-building job for others.
“I think a lot of younger people use Depop, especially teenagers. Anyone who has an interest in secondhand or vintage clothing might download it,” said Nathan Zierlein, a full-time Hunter College student who uses his Depop shop to afford “clothes or other lifestyle amenities during the summer and school year.”
