A few months ago, I wrote “That Time a Thrift Store Employee Yelled at Me – And Changed How I See Thrift Flips Forever
My inbox was flooded with messages from all of you, some agreeing, some furious, and many sharing your own thrifting wake-up calls. Today, I want to revisit the debate with your voices front and center.
The Incident That Started It All
If you missed the original article, here’s the gist: I was browsing my local thrift store for vintage linens (my weakness) when an employee called me out for being a “TikTok flipper.” She wasn’t wrong—I had repurposed thrifted finds before—but her frustration hit hard: “These used to be $2. Now they’re $20. because of people like you.”
Ouch.
I left that day with my fabric and a guilty conscience. But after hearing from hundreds of you, I realized this isn’t just about me—it’s a big, messy issue with valid points on both sides.
What You Told Me: The For & Against Thrift Flipping Debate
“Thrift Flipping is Gentrification – Period.”
From readers who sided with the thrift store employee:
“I work at a Salvation Army, and it’s INFURIATING to watch resellers clear out our plus-size section just to chop it up for ‘aesthetic’ crop tops. Those clothes were someone’s only affordable option.” – M., Ohio
“My mom raised three kids on thrift store clothes. Now? She can’t even afford to shop there. The ‘sustainable’ crowd priced out the people who actually need these stores.” – Anonymous
“If you want to upcycle, go to the ‘damaged’ bin. Leave the wearable stuff for people who can’t afford to be picky.” – R., Texas
“But Thrift Flipping Is Sustainable – Don’t Shame Creativity!”
From readers who pushed back:
“I’ve been flipping thrifted clothes for 15 years—long before TikTok. Thrift stores have always had resellers. Blame corporations, not crafters.” – L., Portland
“I’m a college student. Thrift flipping lets me afford ‘new’ clothes. Should I feel guilty for not being poor enough to ‘deserve’ thrift stores?” – Anonymous
“The real issue is overproduction. Fast fashion dumps 100B garments a year, but we’re fighting over who ‘deserves’ a $5 shirt?” – K., UK
And then there were the nuanced takes:
“I stopped flipping name-brand or plus-size items after reading your article. But I’ll still upcycle stained tablecloths or torn sheets—stuff nobody else would buy.” – J., Michigan
“Thrift stores themselves are the problem. They’re corporations now. My local shop is owned by a millionaire who jacks up prices, then blames ‘flippers’ for the backlash.” – Anonymous
Where Do We Go From Here?
After reading your messages, here’s where I’ve landed:
- Blame the system, not the stitchers.Thrift stores are becoming corporations. Fast fashion is the root issue. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
- Be mindful. Ask Is this item still usable as-is? Could someone else need it more? If yes, maybe leave it.
- Get loud about the real villains. Petition thrift stores to cap prices. Boycott brands like Shein. Support actual charity shops.
Your Turn
This isn’t a black-and-white issue, and I’m not here to lecture. But after hearing from you, I’m convinced: we can thrift flip ethically—if we’re willing to adapt.
So tell me: Have you changed how you thrift since this debate started? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.
Trending Products
