National Thrift Shop Day: Reuse in Action
Every August 17, National Thrift Shop Day celebrates thrift stores and the role secondhand shopping plays in giving clothing and other goods a second life. At Planet Aid, it also shines a spotlight on something we think about every day: the power of reuse to protect the environment and strengthen communities.
Thrift shops are more than spots to find good deals. They are also a vital part of the circular economy, keeping usable goods out of landfills and putting them back to work for people and the planet.
In March of 2026, Planet Aid opened its newest retail thrift store, The Loop, in Baltimore’s Fells Point. The Loop brings that commitment to reuse into one space, offering upscale products at affordable prices while promoting sustainable fashion through sewing and repair labs, workshops, and social media.
How Thrift Shopping Began
Thrift shopping in America took root in the late nineteenth century, when the Industrial Revolution accelerated clothing production and shortened the cycle of use and disposal. Charitable organizations saw an opportunity to turn that waste into both funding and dignity.
In 1897, the Salvation Army launched its "salvage brigade," collecting used goods to resell and reinvest in community programs. In 1902, Methodist minister Edgar J. Helms founded what became Goodwill Industries in Boston, employing people in need to repair and resell donated items.
By the 1920s, many thrift shops had begun to shed their stigma and adopt department-store presentation. During the Great Depression and World War II, new clothing was a luxury, so secondhand shopping became indispensable, embedding its culture into the American mainstream.
Today, thrift shopping has become even more popular, with younger generations drawn to its environmental benefits and affordability. Generation Z leads the increasing trend, buying and reselling their finds online.
Thrifting Fuels the Circular Economy
Every thrift purchase helps extend the life of an item, whether it's a jacket, a pair of shoes or a pair of jeans. Instead of entering the waste stream, that item gets another opportunity to be used. That matters now more than ever. According to the EPA, 11.3 million tons of textiles end up in U.S. landfills every year, and only about 13% are reused or recycled. Textiles in landfills decay over time, releasing microplastics and methane — polluting the air, waterways, and ground.
Thrift shops intercept that flow, extending product lifecycles and reducing demand for new production. The impact goes beyond the environment, too. Secondhand sales contribute an estimated $53 billion annually to the U.S. economy and sustain millions of livelihoods worldwide. Used textiles provide affordable, quality options for 70% of the world's population who wear secondhand clothes.
How to Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day
Celebrating National Thrift Shop Day can be as simple as choosing reuse. Shop at a local thrift store, donate clothing and household goods you no longer need, repair something instead of replacing it, or introduce someone else to secondhand shopping.
If you're in Baltimore, visit The Loop in Fells Point to shop secondhand and explore Planet Aid's approach to sustainable fashion and reuse.
National Thrift Shop Day FAQ
When is National Thrift Shop Day?
National Thrift Shop Day is celebrated every year on August 17.
What is National Thrift Shop Day?
National Thrift Shop Day celebrates thrift stores, secondhand shopping and the benefits of giving usable goods another life.
How can I celebrate National Thrift Shop Day?
Visit a thrift store, shop secondhand, donate usable clothing or household goods, or repair and reuse something you already own.