LNF Shop co-owner Charlie Whitley has been stocking his Mile End store shelves with one-of-a-kind vintage clothing for ten years. He was inspired by the resale market in Los Angeles and felt there was a need for select thrift stores in Montreal.
“You always find a treasure. That’s the fun, you know, when you get it this way and it’s ready for you. You will most likely find treasure, “Whitley told Global News.
After a decade, business has never been better for a thrift store owner.
“September was the most important month since it opened.”
Whitley says his hop clientele is loyal, but lately he’s seen younger faces scrutinizing the shelves.
“Teens right now are huge supporters and they have really rejuvenated the scene,” he said.
Turns out you’re not wrong, according to Anwar White of the Desautels College of Management and the Bensadoun School of Retail Management.
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“This kind of crop resurgence is something that has stood out, especially in the last five years. But since we had the pandemic, it has actually grown enormously, ”White said.
According to White, with more bored people at home, they started reselling old clothes. Younger people who care about price value and the environment are driving the market.
“I’d say roughly 80 percent of people are Millennials and Gen Z,” White said.
Sandrine Menard, 20, and her friend Sandrine Trinh, 21, told Global News that they regularly shop at select thrift stores.
“Generally, I like to go to vintage stores; it is mainly because of the environmental impact because it is second hand,” Menard said, adding that it is also “less expensive” than buying from big-brand stores.
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LNF Shop is no longer in a league of its own. Vintage resellers have popped up all over town. Marché Floh on Saint Denis Street opened three years ago.
“There are 20 vendor positions under one roof. So there is a lot of variety and a lot of selection, ”said Marché Floh owner Alex Mondry.
Mondry believes that the rise in popularity of vintage clothing is due in part to the unique sense of style and creativity that goes with it.
“All of our items are one of one. Then you know that you won’t meet someone in the same outfit at a party, “he said.
Mondry and Whitley say that if younger generations continue to push the industry forward, their businesses will grow and no one will ever attend a party in a matching outfit again.
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Reference-globalnews.ca