Salvation Army Thrift Store Shoppers Share Their Reasons to Shop Second-Hand

The Salvation Army Thrift Store serves through retail and recycling by diverting waste from landfills and giving back to those in need. With 106 thrift stores and 10 distribution and recycling centres, The Salvation Army makes a difference every day for community members and the planet we all share. These frequent thrift shoppers from different walks of life give their reasons for shopping second-hand.

Kristen is passionate about sustainable living and climate justice. “Shopping at Salvation Army thrift stores helps me carefully curate my style at a lower price, while diverting clothes from the landfill,” she says.

“I always advocate for others to shop at thrift stores,” continues Kristen. “While Salvation Army thrift stores help to provide critical services, more people should feel comfortable thrifting as a means of reducing their impact on the environment.”

Beyond contributing to the greener good, Salvation Army thrift stores also provide a high-value, low-cost shopping experience to those in need. Jamilla, a recent university graduate, loves to look professional. However, living on a low income made shopping at the mall a challenging experience.

“As a student, I made less than minimum wage,” says Jamilla, who is now a social worker. “Once you’re through paying rent, utilities, internet and your phone bill—buying a few outfits at the mall is not as important as your groceries.”

Jamilla wanted a better job but never felt confident in the clothes she already had. “I wanted to look presentable going to interviews,” says Jamilla. “Shopping at Salvation Army thrift stores helped prepare me for success.”

When Nin found out that thrift stores provide direct assistance to vulnerable people, she had even more incentive to continue shopping and donating. “If you like investing in the betterment of your community, you should be thrifting at The Salvation Army,” she says. “The money from my donated items also goes back into the community and I can see how full circle Salvation Army thrift stores are.”

With the help of guests and donors coast-to-coast, The Salvation Army Thrift Store continues to help create a greener Canada and empower neighbours in need.

For more information on Salvation Army thrift stores, click here.

By Sharifa Campbell-Hogg