However, the prices of clothing that last longer have increased, becoming more exclusive to high-end thrift store and is a "middle-class luxury". "Take an analogy of a family with three school-aged children; they need quality clothing like jerseys or shoes, but these products aren't necessarily available because we tend to donate clothing to charities that is of a low quality," she says. McNeill says the low-quality clothing that gets donated then adds a cost for the charities that need to sort through it. She says consumers should be encouraged to buy New Zealand-made, sustainable and quality clothing if they are buying brand new and donate clothes to charity if they no longer have any use for them. He says there is a perception of increased prices, potentially influenced by what he calls a growing 'professionalism' of the Family Stores.

Source: Stuff June 16, 2022 08:06 UTC