Thrifting Around the World: How Secondhand Became First Choice

White Rock, by Mark

Once upon a time, thrifting was what you did when you were broke or looking for Halloween

costumes. Now? It’s a full-on global vibe. From Tokyo to Toronto, people everywhere are digging through racks of secondhand treasures—and loving it. Whether it’s for the planet, the price tag, or the pure thrill of the hunt, thrifting has officially gone worldwide.

In North America, thrift shopping has transformed into a fashionable activity. Gen Z influencers are transforming ValueVillage visits into TikTok treasures, while shoppers flaunt their $5 vintage jeans as if they're high fashion (which they genuinely are). Thrift shops in this area are large, vibrant, and occasionally disorganized—in the most delightful manner. Just like at our sustainable pop-up market where fashion is combined with practicality and a vibrant community. It follows the idea of unifying the locals to a lively, fun atmosphere with music, and hot topics for all ages. It’s no longer only about saving money; it’s about obtaining something unique that others don’t have and benefiting the planet in the process.

Travel to Europe, where thrifting is both stylish and robust. In the UK, streets are lined with

"charity shops," allowing you to shop without guilt while backing a cause. In Sweden or

In the Netherlands, thrift shops are chic, fashionable, and frequently associated with environmentally friendly lifestyles. In cities such as Berlin or Paris, vintage transcends fashion—it's an entire aesthetic. You'll discover designer items from the '80s just as easily as unique, one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

In Asia, thrifting is flourishing in its distinct and vibrant forms. Secondhand shops in Japan are truly exceptional—meticulously organized, impeccably clean, and stocked with everything from unique designer treasures to vintage anime t-shirts. South Korea is also embracing this trend, blending secondhand items with urban fashion. In the Philippines, “ukay-ukay” stores (literal mountains of clothing!) are goldmines for fashion at affordable rates, drawing in everyone from students to fashion experts.

Globally, individuals are coming to understand that thrifting transcends shopping—it embodies storytelling. Each item has a history, and now it receives a new life. It's environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and genuinely enjoyable. Whether you're sifting through a box in Bangkok or exploring a carefully selected vintage collection in London, one thing is certain: secondhand fashion is enduring—and it has never looked so good.