Within the Twin Falls area, the lack of available brick-and-mortar clothing and department stores is overwhelming compared to that of larger cities nearby. However, even with proximity to chain establishments, online consumption is becoming increasingly relevant.
Shoppers have turned to foreign-based online marketplaces that sell cheap goods. This is especially prevalent among teenage consumers who may feel the need to have goods delivered for ease and convenience.
While online consumerism is the easy solution to a city with limited stores, taking the initiative to bring more consignment and second-hand clothing stores to small communities will enable consumers to shop modestly and find what they are looking for nearby. The establishment of more second-hand shops will increase walkability for teenagers, reduce online consumerism, and contribute to the reduction of waste. More second-hand shops will allow donations to spread throughout Twin Falls, leading to a decrease in clothing being thrown away.
The United States alone contributes approximately 22.6 to 26 billion pounds of clothing to landfills each year, with the average American discarding about 81.5 pounds annually. Encouraging second-hand shopping can help reduce these landfill statistics and promote more ethical shopping choices.
Establishing more secondhand clothing stores will not only reduce waste, but help save money as well. Finding inexpensive items is possible through thrifting. It is possible to purchase clothing that reduces demand for fast fashion and allows shoppers to find high-quality, brand-name, or vintage items for much less than retail.
Shopping sustainably not only comes from exclusively purchasing items second-hand, but also from acquiring quality pieces that will last longer than trends.
Small towns such as Twin Falls may not have high demand, but local schools, youth groups, and social campaigns can increase engagement with secondhand shopping, complementing online resale platforms as well. In implementing such stores, the local government could offer low-rent spaces for small businesses that sell second-hand clothing, and nonprofits and youth organizations could promote thrift stores and organize clothing drives. Additionally, more second-hand stores can create local jobs, encourage local spending instead of sending money to large online retailers, support small business owners, and attract tourism, boosting foot traffic to downtown Twin Falls.
Taking the extra steps to prevent mass-produced goods, keep local clothing in circulation, and refrain from excessive online shopping will support a circular economy, save consumers money, and slow waste.
