As the holiday season gets underway, a movement is growing to make a break from Black Friday and embrace sustainable shopping that simultaneously supports the community.
Secondhand Sunday, which takes place Nov. 30, is an effort to shop small while still finding special or unique gifts not typically carried in mainstream and box stores.
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Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is holding special promotions to entice people to come in during the post-Thanksgiving mashup at the malls.
While others stand in long lines for discounted retail prices, Goodwill stores will showcase unique, personal gifts and home décor that can often cost a fraction of what other merchants charge.
Beyond the low-price deals, Secondhand Sunday also helps benefit the environment. Shopping at Goodwill reduces the amount of waste entering landfills each year.
Thrifting for unique items on the shelves and racks at Goodwill also funds the company’s mission of supporting programs like English as a second language, computer classes, and resume workshops that help people get jobs.
In a first for the organization, this year Evergreen Goodwill is partnering with Seattle artist Stevie Shao for Secondhand Sunday, tapping into the city’s vibrant fashion scene through sustainable collaboration efforts.
While it can be hard for some to resist the urge to buy everything new during the holidays, and it is very easy to click and purchase online, there are plenty of gift items at thrift stores that can bring people joy.
Many Gen Z shoppers have embraced the concepts behind Secondhand Sunday and are turning to thrift stores, consignment shops, and resale apps. About 95% of Gen Z-ers say they will more likely buy a secondhand holiday gift this year, according to a report from eBay.
Influencers on social media have made thrifting look fun, stylish, and more personal compared to what can be found in a mall window.
With these trends in mind, Goodwill is looking to redefine retail with its focus on community-based sustainability and its promotion of conscious consumer trends. The “new to you” mentality is one way to avoid the fast-paced consumption and hyper-commercialization of the Christmas holiday while still finding gifts with a minimal carbon footprint.
Goodwill points out that it has more than just clothing. Stores are also filled with books, puzzles, artwork, and more. Evergreen Goodwill has previously listed “Secondhand Sunday” as a day with special sales, like 50% off red-tagged items.
Items don’t have to be brand-new to be appreciated and enjoyed. While Evergreen Goodwill operates 25 regional thrift stores, there are other secondhand, consignment, or charity shops throughout the King County area that are all looking for additional support as the year closes out.
One piece of advise for parents is that when shopping for secondhand toys, games, and other items for children, a safe practice is to search Recalls.gov to make sure the secondhand gift won’t hurt the child.
