Thrifting has long been a favorite pastime of Seattleites, so much so that we have the biggest Goodwill store in the world.  

But buying second-hand is also an economic survival strategy for people who can't pay full price on back-to-school clothes or home appliances.  

Now, in this increasingly expensive city, there's a sense that thrift stores are no longer fitting that need.

On today's episode, Monica talks to an expert on thrift culture about the economic forces shaping second-hand shopping and why some say it might not be the place for bargain-hunters anymore. 

Guest:
Jennifer Le Zotte, author of From Goodwill to Grunge: A History of Secondhand Styles and Alternative Economies

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Booming is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Carol Smith. Our producers are Lucy Soucek and Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Joshua McNichols and Monica Nickelsburg.