When people talk about the good old days, they're probably thinking of when you could score quality clothes at places like Value Village. If you've been to your local thrift store recently, you’ve probably noticed that fast fashion is taking over the racks. Brands like Shein and Forever 21 now dominate, and there’s less of the classic, high-quality items that once filled the shelves. That’s because global fashion consumption has skyrocketed by 400% in the last 20 years. So when people donate clothes, a lot of what they are giving away is low-cost, mass-produced stuff. As for those enduring pieces you used to find in second-hand stores (shout-out to the Rudsak coat this writer found in Grade 12 for $30)? People have more opportunity to sell them online and pocket the profit themselves.
