Consumer Expert talks about the benefits of thrifting during times of inflation on National Thrift Shop Day

• Aniya Faulcon
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  Aniya Faulcon is The Spark Host/Producer for WITF. She has a passion for shining a light on unique people, experiences, and perspectives within the community.
  
  Previously she worked as the People and Social Trends Reporter/Video Anchor for LancasterOnline | LNPNews. During her time there, she created video packages, provided Facebook Live coverage at community events, and wrote data-driven stories with census data and feature stories on local leaders, non-profit organizations, events, and people with unique talents and experiences within Lancaster County.
  
  Aniya also worked at WMAR ABC 2 News as a Sales Assistant and at the AFRO American Newspapers as an Executive Assistant and Media correspondent. Aniya interned at WEAA Gospel Grace 88.9 and worked at her alma mater’s radio station, WWPJ at Point Park University, where she gained skills and a passion for radio.
  
  Aniya grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and attended the Baltimore School for the arts for high school with a concentration in acting. She continued to hone her skills and passion for storytelling and later graduated from Point Park University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and Broadcast Reporting. Aniya is eager to continue her journey with storytelling in her role with WITF, as she aims to shed a light on real people and real stories within Pennsylvania in a variety of mediums.

 Ryan Kneller / WLVR

Plato’s Closet in the Valley Plaza shopping center on Catasauqua Road in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, is a popular destination for back-to-school shopping. The business offers gently used, brand name clothing, shoes and accessories for teens and 20-somethings at up to 70% off their original retail prices.

Airdate: August 17, 2022

In honor of National Thrift Shop Day, today, many plan to support their local thrift shops and raise money and awareness for charitable organizations.

During the eighteenth century, before thrift stores existed, old clothes were given to younger siblings, would be recycled as furniture stuffing, or sold for money.

The Salvation Army and Goodwill were launched in the late 1800s and early 1900s to provide immigrants with clothing and give people an opportunity to give used clothes to receive food and lodging.

According to National Today, thrift stores were formally known as “junk shops” but that changed in the 1900s, as they became more useful during times of need like the Great Depression and World War II.

Rebecca Gramuglia, Top Cash Back Consumer Expert, said thrift shops allow people to find low priced unique pieces and give people the opportunity to spend their money for a good cause.

“Especially with inflation and prices going up people can find goods at a low price,” Gramuglia said referring to thrift stores.

According to Top Cash Back 69% of Americans shop at thrift stores and 81% said they would consider buying  refurbished or used items to save money.

“The art of thrift shopping is definitely going to be continuing,” Gramuglia said. It’s popular in general with all generations and not only helps save money but depending on where you’re shopping you can help support your local community, which is a timeless thing.”