RTO Means More Clothes - Second-hand Becomes Cool

From finance's JP Morgan to law's Paul Weiss RTO is becoming standard. That's a pricey process. 

Add-on expenses include more dependent-care help, commuting, meals out and, yes, more clothes. About the latter, co-workers notice what you wear. 

The good news on that is that buying second-hand has lost any stigma. The Economist anoints it as "in style." And if you shop in upscale neighborhoods or on the right websites you'll find top brands for about one-third traditional retail. 

When my intuitive coaching boutique involved an on-site commitment several days a week I had to scramble to augment my wardrobe. Everyone in the know directed me to consignment shop Clothing Exchange, not traditional retail. Yes, buying used is that integrated into the consumer consciousness of this border town in southeastern Arizona. 

To my surprise I even landed petite fashions. With everyone grower taller, those are harder to find even in traditional retail. The selections extended from trousers to jackets, such as this Calvin Klein.

The trick to succeeding in the used game is to make it your business to swing by the shops often and early in the day. The good stuff in sizes over-eight goes quickly. Also you have to be eagle-eyed for small stains. Usually those don't come out. 

What about special sales? Are those worth showing up for? No. What's being hawked are frequently the small sizes few of us in this era of obesity can get into.

The demand for second-hand is growing so fast that two of my clients have established online store fronts. That's for clothing. For other merchandise another client dumpster-dives and sells the cleaned-up merchandise on Craigslist, Nextdoor, flea markets and by word-of-mouth. This cubby sold for $10.

I'm old enough to have perspective about this trend. Before post-WWII affluence took off I recall the "junkmen" riding through our neighborhoods in the New York Metro area. They peddled everything. And our mothers rushed out to the street to buy. For years I had considered that a different time. Now with inflation and employment insecurity that's back. 

Is the life you’ve known collapsing? As your intuitive career coach/tarot reader I guide you to what could be next. One door closes, another one can open. Free confidential consultation. If we work together, fees are what you can afford. To connect: Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). In-person and remote.