Across the country, teens and young adults are choosing thrift stores over big-box stores. They are swapping brand new for secondhand finds and discovering benefits that go far beyond saving money. From expressing personal style to reducing waste and stretching their budgets, young shoppers are helping drive a growing secondhand shopping movement. If you’ve wondered what’s behind the trend, here are a few reasons why thrifting continues to gain popularity and how you can be part of it at Deseret Industries. 

Expressing Your Individual Style 

In a world where buying new often means everyone ends up wearing similar outfits, secondhand shopping offers something that is genuinely hard to find: individuality. A thrifted outfit is difficult to duplicate. It has history, character, and a story behind it. And for shoppers who value authenticity, that matters. Platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram have helped spread that idea, with countless people sharing their thrifted finds and styling inspiration online. 

Many teen shoppers say thrifting allows them to express their individuality. Because Deseret Industries donations come from the community, the inventory is constantly changing. That helps teens create styles that feel unique instead of wearing the same trends everyone else has. 

Caring for the Environment 

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste and pollution. Many young shoppers say environmental concerns influence where they spend their money. For them, buying secondhand is one way to keep goods and clothing out of landfills, reduce demand for new production, and extend the life of usable items. 

Every item donated to or purchased from Deseret Industries is one less thing ending up in a landfill. In 2025 alone, DI kept nearly 83 million pounds of goods out of landfills. That is a straightforward and meaningful impact you contribute to every time you shop.

Saving Money Without Sacrificing Quality 

Beyond the environmental impact, there is a practical side to thrift shopping, too. For teens and young adults furnishing an apartment for the first time, building a wardrobe, or managing a limited budget, thrift shopping offers a way to find quality items at affordable prices. The savings and value of shopping secondhand at a thrift store are hard to beat. 

At Deseret Industries, pricing is intentionally kept affordable every single day. There are no discount days or rotating sales because the goal is simple: give every shopper the same opportunity to find a great deal whenever it works for them. 

Supporting Job Training for Others 

Many younger shoppers also want their purchases to have a positive impact. At Deseret Industries, shopping secondhand supports DI’s job training program, which helps individuals build marketable skills and prepare for long-term employment opportunities. 

So, when you pick up a thrifted jacket or a piece of furniture at Deseret Industries, you’re not just finding something for yourself—you’re helping someone else take a step forward. That kind of impact makes secondhand shopping at Deseret Industries different from a typical retail experience.

Come Find Something Worth Keeping 

Whether you are a longtime thrifter or just getting started, Deseret Industries is a great place to shop with purpose. Every visit gives you the opportunity to discover unique items, extend the life of donated goods, and support individuals as they build skills and create better lives for themselves.

Find your nearest Deseret Industries and see what treasures are waiting for you. When you find something great, share it with us on Instagram or Facebook. We would love to see your favorite finds.