Rosie’s Finds
Global Shapers Edmonton is piloting the ReLove YEG project that aims to reduce clothing waste in Edmonton through raising awareness, community-based learning, and collective action.
As part of this initiative, we are highlighting local businesses, organizations and researchers within Edmonton that are engaged in sustainable clothing consumption. Recently, we sat down with Sarah Rosenkranz to learn more about her business – Rosie’s Finds.
PRATIKSHA: What do you love about thrifting? When did you start thrifting professionally?
SARAH: So, growing up, my dad was very cheap so buying secondhand and pre-loved items was engrained in me at a very young age. There is something very cozy and comforting about thrift stores that offers a super unique shopping experience. You are also able to find one-of-a-kind items with so much character and history!
I still remember that thrill of going to a garage sale and finding cool items – but at the same time, buying used and old items back then was still frowned upon so it was not something I told people that I did. It wasn’t until after my extensive travelling, and just growing up in Vancouver, playing around with fashion and finding my own personal style that I started thrifting more professionally.
PRATIKSHA: Why did you start Rosie’s Finds?
SARAH: I actually started Rosie’s Finds during the pandemic back in 2020 and it gave me a purpose and an outlet for inspiration. It provided a sense of control during the pandemic and it felt good to pursue something I was passionate about. Although it was a weird time to start my business, I was actually more nervous about what people who knew me were going to think! I’ve always been a thrifting advocate but to do it as a side business was something different.
PRATIKSHA: Thrifting is slowly losing its stigma – particularly among Gen Z’s and Millennials, why do you think that is?
SARAH: I think there is more awareness about climate change and coupled with the rising cost of living and inflation – if you can find an item at a fraction of a cost, then it’s almost silly to not thrift! Even places like Value Village and Goodwill have increased prices recently, and so increasingly people are looking into thrifting more locally. Social media also helps popularize thrifting.
PRATIKSHA: What has been the hardest part of being a small business owner in the pre-loved and secondhand space?
SARAH: In addition to cost of living, inflation has also impacted thrift prices, where some resellers definitely tag prices at a higher rate than others. I personally don’t feel comfortable reselling items at higher end market prices that would deter people from shopping secondhand. As an online reseller, I also have to adopt to social media trends and stay very up to date to Instagram and TikTok. Customers also want to know more about you as a person and identify with your brand – they want to know your values and your stance on certain social issues, which I have to be comfortable sharing.
PRATIKSHA: How do you think Edmonton’s secondhand community and sustainable living fares compared to other Canadian cities?
SARAH: Since I started Rosie’s Finds, I have definitely experienced both the good and the bad. Everyone is very inviting and engaged! I’ll have other resellers tag me on Instagram all the time and we support one another and host joint events. Like any niche community, it can feel a bit cliquey at times but generally everyone is very supportive.
Compared to other cities, we are late to the game, but we are still here and growing! Edmonton also has cool programs like Skip the Depot, and I think we are one of the first cities in Canada with electric buses. We also have eco stations that make recycling so easy that it’s almost hard not to recycle.
PRATIKSHA: Do you implement sustainable practices in other aspects of your operations?
SARAH: Yes! I am part of a ‘Buy Nothing’ group on Facebook that is an amazing tool to help reduce waste while building community! It can be something as simple as borrowing a dress for an event or getting rid of items you have lying around. I primarily use this group to get all of my packaging for my orders – this includes boxes, clothing bags, paper, etc. The only items I purchase for my packaging is tape and a stamp. I also re-use my tags at thrift pop-up events and remove them before selling the item.
PRATIKSHA: What is next for Rosie’s Finds?
SARAH: I would love to manifest my own storefront one day but perhaps with a partner who shares a similar business practice as mine but offers something unique. Either with another reseller of a specific niche or a kombucha bar!
PRATIKSHA: If you can give some tips to someone new to thrifting, what would you share with them?
SARAH: For sure:
- Don’t try to go to every section at a thrift store! It can get over overwhelming so be realistic about what you are looking for.
- Make sure you are finding joy in what you are looking for.
- Inspect all items carefully and price sticker placement is also very important to look for to make sure it doesn’t damage the item when you take it off.
- Please wash your clothes when you get home! While most resellers do wash their clothes, larger chains like Value Village and Goodwill do not wash their clothes and you don’t know who has touched them before you purchased it.
- Please, also, always check the crotch area!!
PRATIKSHA: Any last thoughts?
SARAH: I encourage everyone to support local when you can. Most for-profit resellers and larger chains upcharge a lot for their items. They will keep items on the rack for a few weeks and when they don’t sell, they are either destroyed or dumped in landfills, instead of being donated to charities or local programs like Adeara. While thrifting is super fun and rewarding, it’s also worthwhile to learn more about the companies and resellers your purchases are supporting, and whether their impact is aligned with the reasons you thrift in the first place!
Pratiksha Gurung
