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I recently came across a New York Times story about dumpster diving and the crazy “returns” economy, whereby most of what we consumers return to stores actually just gets thrown out. Sometimes I get a gift or purchase something and then decide I don’t want it. But I don’t want to be part of the problem. Help?
– Lori
Dear Lori,
Dot has become a dedicated second-hand shopper, but I do, occasionally, impulse shop items that end up not fitting properly or failing to live up to their online allure. To address your question, however, Dot is going to turn it over to the capable Char Kelly, a recent fashion design grad, one half of Bluedot’s Secondhand Sisters, and a more dedicated shopper than I. Take it away (no pun intended!), Char:
We all want clothes that make us feel and look good, and sometimes a new purchase or order just doesn’t do the job, so we either return or exchange the garment. As someone who formerly detested trying on clothes in-store, I have had to return my purchases on more than one occasion. We imagine that our returned items will end up back on the racks and, eventually, in someone else’s shopping bag. But, as the New York Times article you referenced made clear, Lori, those clothes often have a far different future than we imagined. What’s gone awry?
Char has some bad news … but some good advice. Keep reading.
