Thrift Stores Can't Thrive in Singapore if Treated as Dumping Grounds for Fast Fashion

Trust me when I say that no one is more delighted about the arrival of 2nd Street in Singapore than me.

- Amanda Chai

A loyal fan since my first trip to Japan in 2023, I have structured entire holidays around thrifting at the store and other popular reuse chains.

When I came down with food poisoning on a four-day trip to Taipei in 2024, I dragged my medicated self out of bed to continue crossing off every 2nd Street outlet I had bookmarked in the city. It was well worth the queasiness because I left with prized finds, including a vintage Prada bag for under $300.

And I am not partial to any one chain. Since I was a teenager trawling flea markets at *Scape, I have loved the thrill of the hunt when it comes to shopping pre-loved goods, to add something unique to my wardrobe.

So, I have had mixed feelings about the rise of thrift stores, particularly in Singapore.

Like any phenomenon that starts with good intentions, the growing interest in thrifting has been double-edged. In theory, having more people value second-hand goods helps undo some of the pollution caused by the fashion industry, as it extends the life cycle of an item and keeps it relevant in the market for longer. But the reality is hardly this simple or rosy.

Thrifting does not slow down the appetite for consumption, especially when it is seen only as an "in" thing to do. In fact, as it gains popularity for novelty or perceived coolness, many simply tack a visit to the thrift store on top of existing negative patterns of consumption.

2nd Street's buy-and-sell policy, which it is relying on to make up the stock in its Singapore store, is also worrisome.