‘It does help’: More Albertans embrace thrifting as life gets more expensive

More Albertans are hunting for deals at the thrift store. The Calgary ReStore says it has seen an increase in customers by 10 per cent in the last year.

More Albertans are embracing thrift shopping amid rising prices.

New survey data from ReStores shows rising costs are sparking a growing interest in thrifted furniture and renovation materials, with 83 per cent of Albertans saying thrifting makes economic sense given the current cost of living in Canada.

“International conditions now it’s really expensive,” said Gary Brake from Medicine Hat who was shopping at Calgary North ReStore for the first time on Wednesday.

“We’re just looking. I see paint over there. We often pick up paint for small projects at a reasonable price,” Brake said. “That’s why we thrift.”

Habitat for Humanity’s nonprofit thrift store chain’s survey indicates just under half of Albertans have thrifted furniture (42 per cent) but more than two-thirds say they would consider it (69 per cent).

Less than a third have thrifted renovation materials like doors, fixtures, flooring, and tile (30 per cent) but a large majority say they would consider it (76 per cent).

“We’ve been in Canada for 35 years so it’s amazing to us that we’re still getting first-timers in the store and those first-timers are discovering how much more they can stretch their dollar by going to the ReStore first,” said Lisa Voycey, the national director of ReStore.

ReStores are open to the public and carry items to finish and furnish homes,

“Everything from a two-by-four, to an appliance, to home décor,” said Voycey.

Vintage and brand-new items

Shoppers can find vintage and one-of-a-kind items, but also brand-new items from commercial overstock, and all at bargain prices.

“I’m on a fixed income because I’m retired… so it does help,” said Calgarian Mark Tetsull who said he likes to check out ReStore several times a month.

The Calgary North location has seen about 10 per cent more customers this year than last year.

“They come here because it’s a good deal. We do 40 to 80 per cent below retail value. We don’t charge GST so that’s a huge savings,” said Sarah Rothrey, the ReStore Calgary North manager.

The savings make a big impact for families and small businesses dealing with shrinking margins.

“(It’s) absolutely huge for me, especially if we just look at the cost of gas and everything right now that’s huge being a self-contractor right where I don’t get the extras that a lot of these bigger businesses do,” said Jennifer Linnington, who says she visits Calgary’s ReStore several times a week and usually finds something she needs at a good price.

“We also have staff here that are educated in different parts of the store as well so they can come here and talk to contractors talk to our staff and then they can do their own DIY projects,” said Rothrey.

Good for environment

Cost isn’t the only reason shoppers are embracing thrifting.

“My wife and I are into recycling a lot so if we try to get something used, it’s better instead of throwing it out and the money goes to helping people out too,” said Tetsull.

All the proceeds from Calgary ReStores helps fund local Habitat for Humanity homebuilding projects.

“You’re supporting your own community and ensuring that families have homes to live in,” said Rothrey.

Since 1990 over 400 Southern Alberta families have received Habitat for Humanity homes.

https://www.habitatsouthernab.ca/habitat-restores