MPR News with Angela Davis

Let's go thrifting! Exploring the past, present and future of buying secondhand

a rack of clothes
Thrifting can be a bonding experience across generations or part of self care, but the history of this popular pastime is more complicated than you might think.
Arc's Value Village

Minnesota has thousands of secondhand stores, from for-profit businesses to those tied to charities — all possible treasure troves for the determined thrifter. 

Thrifting can be a bonding experience across generations or part of self care, but the history of this popular pastime is more complicated than you might think.

Listen back to a conversation MPR News host Angela Davis had with a historian who wrote a book about thrifting and a thrift store marketing manager about thrifting’s past, present and future. 


Guests: 

  • Jennifer Le Zotte is an assistant professor of history at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and the author of the book, “From Goodwill to Grunge: A History of Secondhand Styles and Alternative Economies.” 

  • Molly King is the marketing manager for Arc’s Value Village thrift stores in the Twin Cities.