Closet Reset: Why Secondhand Is The Smartest Way To Refresh Your Style

Spring cleaning is getting a major rethink—and your wardrobe is first in line. As more Canadians look to shop smarter (and more sustainably), secondhand fashion is stepping into the spotlight as the ultimate style refresh strategy. We caught up with Value Village’s Tony Shumpert and Jeffrey Stonehouse to talk circular fashion, closet detoxing, and why the most interesting wardrobes right now are built with intention—not impulse. —Noa Nichol

The idea of a “wardrobe refresh” is evolving—how does secondhand shopping support a more intentional approach to personal style?

Tony Shumpert: Thrift stores play an important role in extending the life of reusable clothing and housewares. Through Value Village’s reuse and recycling program, the vast majority of the textiles and clothing we receive are reused or repurposed in some way, helping keep items out of landfills and supporting a more circular approach to consumption. Secondhand shopping also encourages more thoughtful purchasing decisions—choosing pieces with longevity and purpose and keeping clothing in use longer.

What are some simple ways people can transition from fast fashion habits to a more circular, sustainable wardrobe?

Tony Shumpert: It starts with small changes. Choosing secondhand first, donating items you no longer need to one of our many nonprofit partners, and finding ways to reuse or repurpose pieces are all practical steps. It does not have to be all or nothing. Over time, those choices can make a meaningful difference.

How can shoppers assess what to keep, donate, or replace when trying to build a more thoughtful closet?

Tony Shumpert: A simple way to think about it is whether you are wearing an item or if you are holding on to something for sentimental reasons. If a piece of clothing no longer fits your lifestyle or personal style, donating it gives it another useful life.

What role does Value Village play in extending the lifecycle of clothing, and why is that more important than ever right now?

Tony Shumpert: From the thrill of the hunt to the joy of decluttering, extending the life of clothing is central to our business model. Value Village has developed a reuse and recycling program that is one of the most extensive in the industry. Reports estimate that around 95 per cent of clothing and textiles can be reused or repurposed. This includes resale, repurposing or recycling items into new materials. In fact, in the last five years alone, Value Village has diverted more than 1.5 billion pounds from landfills across Canada. As more people think about both affordability and environmental impact, keeping items in use longer is one of the most practical and immediate ways to reduce waste.

Are you seeing a shift in how younger shoppers approach secondhand fashion as part of their everyday lifestyle?   

Jeffrey Stonehouse: Thrifting has become a mainstream retail choice, especially among younger shoppers. Broadly, we continue to see more Gen Z and Millennials choose thrift and make secondhand part of their everyday shopping habits. They are looking for value, sustainability and the ability to express their personal style through unique finds.