New survey shows Albertans turning to second-hand shopping – Lethbridge [Video]

A new survey indicates Albertans are choosing to buy second-hand in order to save money, especially heading into the holiday season.

It’s a place where people can extend their dollars and with the current economic realities, thrift stores are seeing an increase in shoppers, a spike they’ve never seen before.

“From 2022 to 2023, our services increased by 50 per cent. From 2023 to 2024, we’re looking at about a 10-per cent increase,” said Zach Marshall, community ministries officer with Salvation Army Lethbridge.

A new survey by Angus Reid reveals Albertans are becoming more cost-conscious.

According to the survey, which had a sample size of 1,511 Canadians, 71 per cent of Albertans have used second-hand markets. Of those surveyed, 87 per cent say they do so to save money. This has led some to consider limiting their spending at Christmas, as 59 per cent of Albertans are considering second-hand gifts …