thrift stores have experienced a real boom in recent years. With the craze for vintage fashion, more and more people are turning to these stores. But where do these coveted clothes come from? Whether for economic reasons, to consume more responsibly or simply to adopt a trendy retro look, there are many fans of second-hand clothes. In this article, we reveal behind the scenes of thrift stores and their supply secrets.
Presentation of Goodsapes, your online vintage streetwear thrift store
Goodsapes is your online thrift store specializing in vintage streetwear from premium brands. Here, we don't do things by halves! Nn offers you an exclusive selection of carefully sorted clothing, rare pieces that will allow you to stand out in style. If you're looking for Nike Vintage, Ralph Lauren, or even Carhartt, then you are in the right place.
Why choose Goodsapes? Simple: we offer you the best of vintage at unbeatable prices, with quality always there. By opening our online thrift store, it was our way of sharing with you nuggets found around the world!
So, ready to discover your next vintage gem at your online thrift store GOODSapes?
The different sources of supply for thrift stores
thrift stores have several methods of obtaining clothing, in order to offer varied and original pieces to their customers. Supply can be done directly via wholesalers, by purchasing thrift store balls, or via individuals who resell their clothes. Each of these sources has its advantages, and allows thrift stores to regularly enrich their stock according to current trends and the demands of their customers.
Wholesale second-hand clothing dealers
A thrift store wholesaler is a supplier that sells clothing in bulk! Often to specialized stores to allow them to renew their stock with unique or limited series pieces. These wholesalers generally collect their products from various channels such as unsold stores, surplus or second-hand clothing collected on a large scale.
Thrift stores often choose to source from wholesalers specializing in vintage. This allows them to allows us to offer authentic and trendy clothing at a reduced cost. For example, vintage clothing boutiques in Paris turn to wholesalers like those at Aubervillier, which are known for their varied selection.
Thanks to online vintage wholesalers, it is also possible to stock up easily, even without traveling. These online platforms allow thrift stores to order vintage clothing in bulk. We receive directly, which greatly simplifies the purchasing process. You can be based in Paris, Marseille or anywhere in France, a thrift store wholesaler in France can provide you with the necessary items to stay at the forefront of vintage fashion.
If you are from the Paris region, you can find several wholesalers in second-hand clothing who specialize in the wholesale sale of used clothing such as Eureka Fripe or Jonathan Frip's., which are both less than 2 hours from Paris. Otherwise, we recommend the wholesaler of the moment, which is located in England, vintage wholesale supply. But beware of delivery times that can be quite long, up to two months of waiting, as these are pre-orders.
Thrift store balls
thrift store bags are another popular way for thrift stores to stock up on clothing. These bales, which bring together lots of clothing packaged in bags or boxes, are an economical solution for second-hand stores. This allows you to buy in bulk without knowing precisely the composition of the lot.
You will ask yourself why choose this method? The answer is simple, clothing bales allow thrift stores to obtain a large quantity of items at a competitive price! Clothing is generally sold by the kilo, making the purchase much more profitable for stores looking to maximize their margin. Buying lots of vintage clothing by the kilo is also a good option for quickly diversifying the stock, by integrating unexpected or rare pieces.
However, thrift store balls can also have their flaws. Indeed, who says unexpected clothing can mean bad qualities, defects or even clothing from unwanted brands or unknown to the battalion. At GOODSapes, we therefore avoid sourcing through thrift store bales, because we seek to only offer pieces that are unique, rare, and essentially from premium brands.
Thrift stores that buy clothes from individuals
Thrift stores not only source their supplies from wholesalers, they also use individuals to enrich their stock. More and more online and physical thrift stores are offering to buy clothes directly from individuals. This offers a simple and ecological alternative to getting rid of old parts. This allows you to recover clothes that still have value, while avoiding waste. It’s truly a win-win on both sides!
Some online thrift stores like Once Again clothing have specialized in this process. They repurchase clothing directly through their website, offering individuals the opportunity to send in their unused items in exchange for payment. Other stores, like Fripe store, operate in a similar way and allow this practice to be extended nationally.
This method of supply is particularly advantageous for second-hand stores, because it allows them to diversify their stock while reducing their purchasing costs. The thrift store which buys clothes directly from individuals thus becomes a key player in the circular fashion model.
Physical and mobile thrift stores
physical thrift stores play an important role in the second-hand clothing trade, particularly in cities like Paris , Besançon and Lille, where vintage culture is exploding. These boutiques allow customers to touch, try on and discover unique pieces in store.
At the same time, there are also mobile thrift stores, better known as popup stores. They travel regularly to collect clothes directly from individuals. These stores offer customers the opportunity to sell their clothing easily, often at local fairs or events.
In Lille, several traveling thrift stores specializing in vintage men's clothing, for example, browse the region to find new pieces while buying those from individuals. This mobility allows them to access rarer items and diversify their sources of supply!
Vintage events and markets: another source of supply
Vintage markets
vintage markets are another go-to source for thrift stores looking for unique and authentic pieces. These events bring together sellers specializing in vintage clothing and allow boutiques to find rare items. In Paris, the Châtelet market is a popular place for vintage fashion lovers.
Some kilo shops also function as markets, where clothing is sold by weight, allowing thrift stores to replenish their stock at attractive prices. Renowned brands, such as those of thrift stores Paris 11, offer items in bulk, making purchasing easier for professionals in the sector. These markets are therefore a real gold mine for shops looking to stand out with rare and authentic vintage pieces.
Events and wholesale sales for thrift stores
wholesale events are opportunities for thrift stores to stock up on large quantities of clothing while benefiting from discounted prices. These events bring together second-hand clothing wholesalers, allowing thrift stores to purchase lots in bulk, often at a reduced price. Participating in these events provides access to a wide choice of varied clothing.
One of the biggest benefits of these events is the ability to purchase wholesale clothing lots, which ensures maximum profitability for thrift stores. Online or at trade shows, the second-hand clothing wholesaler is a major player for vintage clothing boutiques. During these events, thrift stores make sure to maintain a varied and attractive stock to meet the expectations of their customers while optimizing their costs.
Why is it so important to choose your suppliers carefully?
Choosing your suppliers is crucial for any thrift store that wants to stand out in the market. A quality supplier guarantees authentic pieces, in good condition and sufficiently varied to attract a demanding clientele. Collaborating with reliable resell suppliers helps to avoid unpleasant surprises and maintain a positive image of the store. Indeed, with the explosion of vintage fashion, new wholesalers who are not attentive and seek to rip off their customers have appeared. This is the hidden side of second-hand reselling.
In addition to quality, choosing your suppliers carefully will increase your margins. Indeed, buying at the best price while offering unique and sought-after clothing helps increase sales. This is how we can answer the question: how much does a thrift store make? A store that optimizes its supplies can generate significant turnover while building customer loyalty through attractive products.
Conclusion
There are many sources of supply for thrift stores, ranging from wholesalers to vintage markets , or even through purchases from individuals. Each method has its advantages and allows us to offer a varied and quality selection.
At Goodsapes, we are committed to offering you unique, rare and carefully selected pieces for a unique style. So, what are you waiting for?
Discover our new vintage collections on Goodsapes and enjoy -10% on your first order with free shipping!
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