Turkiye youths embrace secondhand goods

ANKARA — Secondhand shopping is becoming popular among Turkiye's younger generations as a way to support sustainability, reduce carbon emissions and waste, and save money amid the country's soaring inflation.

"Most of our customers come from the younger demographic," said Tayfun Un, a secondhand clothing shop owner in the Kucukesat neighborhood of Turkiye's capital, Ankara.

This generation, he said, is contributing to a wave of repeat purchases and resales, forming a virtuous cycle that promotes environmental sustainability and boosts the circular economy.

"The textile industry and fast shopping is a big concern for the environment. While many products are worn and discarded within a year, secondhand clothing offers an eco-friendly alternative that endures for years," the shop owner noted.

Fashion industry

The fashion industry is responsible for generating 8-10 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions due to its long supply chains and energy-intensive production, the United Nations said.

"When we began 12 years ago, secondhand shopping wasn't very popular. However, I've seen a significant rise in its adoption over time. It's now viewed as a way to promote sustainability amid a backdrop of rampant consumption," the shop owner said.

Secondhand shopping is also becoming popular due to high inflation in Turkiye, which was nearly 50 percent last month.

The Istanbul-based Yoneylem Social Studies Center surveyed 2,100 individuals, revealing that 67 percent of respondents fear declining living standards and 64 percent are concerned about repaying debts due to rampant inflation. Facing such problems, many are turning to secondhand stores as a way to manage costs.

"Thrift shopping for me is more a necessity than a conscious choice, I like shopping for clothes, but as prices are very expensive, I've turned to secondhand goods," said Esra Yanki, a 30-year-old teacher.

"A decade ago buying or selling secondhand clothing was somewhat frowned upon, but now it has become the norm for cash-strapped people or for those who worry about the environment and the climate crisis," the teacher added.

Xinhua