Episode 209: Revisiting the Ethics of Secondhand (Live from the Clotheshorse Jamboree)

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

It's the first ever "recorded with a live studio audience" episode of Clotheshorse, recorded at West Art in Lancaster, PA. For this very special event, Amanda is joined by Alex of St. Evens, Christine of Lady Hogg Vintage, and Dylan (a former thrift store worker).

In 2023, Alex of St. Evens joined Amanda for a FOUR PART exploration of the ethics of secondhand resale. More than year and a half later, myths about secondhand and anti-reseller rhetoric can still be found in every corner of the internet. In this episode, we revisit the ethics of secondhand shopping, thrifting, and resellers, exploring the following questions:

✭ Who is really getting rich from the sales of secondhand clothing?
✭ Are resellers really "taking all of the good stuff" from thrift stores?
✭ What is the real purpose of thrift stores?
✭ How can we (as a community) make secondhand more accessible to more people?
✭ Why is there so much bad stuff in thrift stores right now?
✭ And so much more!

Want to catch up on what we have already discussed in the past? You can find these episode anywhere you listen to podcasts:
👂Episode 159: We debunked two major anti-resale arguments: “Thrift stores are designed to be a resource for low income people" & “Resellers are making tons of money from taking things that should be for low income people.”
👂Episode 160: We debunked two major anti-resale arguments: “Resellers are taking all of ‘the good stuff" &“Resellers are responsible for rising prices at thrift stores.”
👂Episode 161: We debunked the final anti-resale myth: “Resellers misrepresent what they’re selling, list things at wildly inflated prices, and overall behave miserably both online and in person.”

Do yourself a favor and subscribe to Alex's Substack, 1-800-Vintage

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Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get r...