New to You

In a world where Australians send over 210,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill each year, what would happen if we redefined what it means to buy ‘new’ clothes? Does ‘new’ have to mean completely new, or just ‘New to You’?

This year, Salvos Stores are working to combat the massive environmental impact of the fashion industry by redefining ‘new’ and reframing how we look at preloved clothing. Our ‘New to You’ campaign encourages customers to view thrifted purchases as new to them, even if they aren’t new in the traditional sense. 

 In 2023, most of us are at least somewhat aware of the environmental consequences of buying from fast fashion retailers. However, it can be tough to face giving up the joy that comes with finding new, affordable pieces from our go-to stores. For many of us, doing ‘retail therapy’ is a surefire way to unwind after a tough day or week, and wearing a new outfit can make any day just that little bit better. 

But when you think about what you get out of buying new clothes, does any of it really depend on those clothes being straight-from-the-factory new? Or is it more about the fun of shopping itself and adding something fresh to your wardrobe? At Salvos Stores, we want to show you that you can get all of these benefits from shopping secondhand. Plus, preloved pieces are likely to be even more affordable, unique, and high-quality than what you can find at your regular fast-fashion retailers.  

Even though preloved and sustainable fashion has become far more popular over the last few years, we have noticed that there is still a bit of stigma around thrifting and wearing secondhand clothing. This was part of the inspiration for the ‘New to You’ campaign. As Salvos Stores Campaign Partner Sarah Keogh says, “we want to make preloved shopping accessible to everyone.” We want to show Aussies that shopping secondhand doesn’t have to be all that different from shopping from traditional retailers. In fact, you might find that it is actually better! Buying clothes that are ‘New to You’ is not only affordable, accessible, and enjoyable, it is also far better for the environment than buying fast fashion pieces that are very likely to fall apart, go unworn, or end up in landfill. 

New doesn’t need to mean unworn. It can just as easily mean giving a great quality, stylish preloved piece a new life in your wardrobe! We promise that ‘New to You’ purchases can give you the same pep in your step as traditionally ‘new’ ones, only without the weight of their environmental impact dragging you down.

Head to your local Salvos or browse Salvos Online to find your next New to You piece. And don’t forget to share your find on socials with #newtoyou to show off your thrifted style and encourage others to reframe ‘new’ too.