Written by Jade Brincat
Over the years, thrifting or shopping at flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores has gained a large popularity for various reasons and these pre-loved items have been given a new purpose.
There is a large misconception about thrifting. One would say “Why would I want people’s old clothes when I’d much rather buy new ones?” However, thrifting is more than just that. With today’s global warming issues, the fast fashion industry has left an enormous impact on the massive amounts of waste created. Therefore, thrifting has helped to maintain a sustainable and eco-friendly practice.
In addition, thrifting can be quite a fun activity to do, especially with your friends. Thrift shops carry a wide range of items that come from different eras and styles. You’ll never know what you’ll find! This diverse selection allows customers to have unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else will have but you! In fact, Laura Young, a woman who loves to thrift, one day picked up a 2,000-year-old Roman bust for $35 in a Texas ‘Goodwill’. Upon further inspection she found out that this bust had been missing for about 80 years and that it belonged to King Ludwig I of Bavaria! The bust was brought back to Bavaria, Germany, once the exhibition in the San Antonio Museum finished.
Where can you go thrifting in Malta?
In Malta, there are plenty of places where one can go thrifting. Some examples are ‘Happy Paws’, ‘Inspire’, ‘MSCPA’, and ‘YMCA’, in which all the proceeds go to different charities such as animal sanctuaries, people in need, refugees, etc. Sometimes it can be challenging to search for unique pieces, it is truly a matter of luck. However, with thrifting gaining popularity in the media, many local businesses have been inspired to open stores with handpicked unique and vintage items. Some of my favourites would be ‘Cherry Stone’, ‘Taylor Maid Vintage’, and ‘Thrift Pop-up Malta’. In particular, ‘Thrift Pop-up Malta’ donates all their proceeds to animal charities across Malta whilst also supporting small local brands. We can also find online thrift stores, such as ‘Trendy Thrifting’ on Instagram.