Thrifting in Singapore: A relaxing escape for a stressful mind?

SINGAPORE — In Singapore, a shopping revolution is quietly unfolding, reshaping perspectives on retail therapy.

Thrifting - the act of buying used items - was once confined to budget-conscious and eco-conscious consumers, but has now become a wellness trend that uplifts the spirits of those who embrace it.

In fact, the resale market for used clothing, shoes and accessories is on the rise, with more people opting for second-hand items. According to the recent ThredUp 2023 Resale Report, the global used clothing market is expected to reach US$350 billion (S$479 billion) by 2027, nearly doubling its current size.

As the allure of thrift stores continues to grow, Yahoo Southeast Asia spoke with four local thrift shops and platforms to uncover the story behind this retail renaissance, and how it is positively impacting shoppers' mental well-being.

Sustainable journey and liberation from brand expectations

Raye Padit's foray into sustainable fashion began with a profound realisation: he yearned to make a more meaningful contribution and tackle the pressing issues within the fashion industry, such as environmental waste.

"There were a lot of things coming to light behind the curtain that social media or mainstream media is not really discussing, such as the whole pollution, abuse of workers, and the waste problems that we have in the fashion industry," he said.

In response, Padit established The Fashion Pulpit (TFP) in 2018, a clothing swap platform and boutique with a mission to foster environmental education and raise awareness within the fashion industry. Since its inception, the platform has successfully saved about 200,000 fashion items.

Located at OUE Downtown Gallery, TFP operates on a membership model, and offers both one-time swaps and one-year unlimited swapping options. Shoppers can exchange clothing, accessories, bags and shoes in good condition and earn points, which can be used as a budget for their swapping activities.

Padit, who is in his 30s, explained, "When we started TFP, we were in the height of fatigue in fashion with the transactional relationship we had with clothes. We had so much of that, and so when we offered a platform that engages you from the very start, you feel that you are part of an active involvement in the industry."

One distinctive feature of TFP is its liberation from the pressure to fit into a certain image. Padit pointed out, "The feedback that we have been getting a lot from our members is that when you think about fashion or a specific brand, we would always have a preconceived notion of what the brand stands for.

"When you come to The Fashion Pulpit, that expectation or that preconceived notion of what the brand stands for, or that you have to pretend or something, gets cleared up. When you shop or when you swap here, it becomes just you and the clothes. It's no longer about the brand."

According to him, the empowerment of making choices without external pressures is a key aspect of thrifting. "The clothes are no longer about, 'If I buy this brand, would my friend tell me that I don't really see you in this brand kind of thing?'

"So that kind of concern and anxiety goes away when you shop or when you swap, because you are in your own space, trying to explore the things that work for you, and no one is telling you what doesn't work for you."

Empowering women and challenging fast fashion trends

In 2000, the New2U Thrift Shop became a part of Singapore's burgeoning thrift shopping scene. This volunteer-run shop offers a diverse collection of pre-loved items, from clothing and accessories to household goods and ornaments, with prices starting at just $1.

Operating under the Singapore Council of Women's Organisation (SCWO), the thrift shop located at 96 Waterloo St distinguishes itself with a mission: Every penny it earns supports the Star Shelter and various SCWO initiatives, which help women facing domestic violence who need marital and child support.

Over the years, SCWO's chief executive officer Koh Yan Ping has noticed a surge in demand for thrifting, whether for donations or customers looking to purchase pre-loved items.

"People are now DM-ing (direct messaging) to see if they can donate. It used to be one message every two or three days; now New2U gets at least two to five messages a day," she said.

Koh stressed the adverse effects of fast fashion, a trend in the fashion industry characterised by the rapid production of inexpensive, trendy clothing to meet consumer demands.

In contrast, thrifting provides an alternative that encourages women to make more conscious fashion choices and resist the pressure to constantly chase the latest trends.

"Fast fashion promotes this whole concept of a certain way that women should look: I must be trendy, I must wear the latest fashion," Koh explained. "And I think this is unhealthy in the long run, especially for young girls, to always be obsessed about keeping themselves on trend and chasing the different fashion trends."

She believes that encouraging thrift shopping among youth and younger women is equally important in empowering women.

Redefining second-hand fashion

Aloysius Sng, the founder of Refash, is dedicated to changing consumer perceptions of second-hand clothing. Set up in 2015, the company is a Singapore-based fashion re-commerce platform for women to buy and sell pre-loved clothing.

In addition to their online presence, Refash has over 20 stores in Singapore and Malaysia.

Sng, 35, shared his perspective on the evolving consumer mindset, saying, "We are all about changing the perception of consumers because they do have that stigma when it comes to buying second-hand. They will initially be resistant towards it, but when they realise that it's such a delightful experience buying second-hand online and offline, they will start to be more receptive."

He also noted that as demographics change and mindsets evolve, consumers are increasingly seeking more meaningful and sustainable purchases.

The thrill of buying cheap or disposable items has in fact lost its appeal, with consumers opting for longer-lasting, quality products, according to Sng.

During the interview with Yahoo Southeast Asia, Sng also discussed a potential community outreach initiative, revealing plans to extend their services to construction sites.

While Refash primarily focused on serving women, Sng observed a growing interest among male customers keen to sell their clothing. However, the expansion into men's fashion has been a gradual process as the company continues to concentrate on satisfying the needs of its female clientele.

Sustainable shopping for a new generation

Choy Jia Yu and her friends founded Thryft in 2019, with sustainability as a central mission. Thryft blends online and offline thrift shopping, and currently operates as a pop-up at Peace Centre.

They specialise in offering quality second-hand books and clothing, all priced at a fraction of their original costs.

Choy spoke about her inspiration, saying, "A couple of years back, thrifting wasn't as big as it is now. It involved a lot of going to traditional thrift shops, which was fun but somewhat niche. We wanted to make buying second-hand more accessible to those who would normally go for traditional retail."

As a member of Generation Z who embraces this trend, the 24-year-old added, "For me, thrifting is about addressing the environmental impact of fast fashion. I feel better mentally knowing I'm giving pre-loved items a new lease on life without guilt. You never know what you'll find, and the pieces are unique. It's an affordable way to experiment with different styles."

The surging popularity of thrifting is reshaping the way people approach shopping, instilling a deeper appreciation for sustainable choices, and nurturing a sense of community. It is clear that this trend is here to stay – a sentiment strongly reinforced by businesses in the industry.

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