THRIFTY UNIVERSITY
We interviewed seven different secondhand vendors on the University of Colorado, Boulder’s campus outside the University Memorial Center. The space is rented by 303 Thrifty for their event Thrifty University. The event is for vendors to sell their products as students walk through campus on selected Thursdays throughout the year. We aimed to understand the vendors as individuals, as well as how well the event encourages sustainable shopping and creates a community.
Ivan (@mtviintage) & Jose (@old.ahold)
Ivan and Jose, both from Denver, sell regularly with Thrifty University. Together they sell sportswear and vintage clothing, specifically from the 80’s and 90’s. Most of their finds come from estate sales.
Cameron (@motivatedstreetwear)
Cameron is from Colorado Springs and sells clothing by The Hause Collective. Their styles include 80’s, 90’s, and Y2K clothing. They source their products from Goodwill, flea markets, buyouts, and yard sales.
Michael (@randumbapparel)
Micheal sells clothes by Randumb Apparel, which includes nostalgic vintage items from the 60s and 70s. Micheal is from Louisville and acquires his clothing from yard sales, estate sales, thrift stores, and lots of networking.
Abigail (@karmaligncreations)
Abigail is from Denver and creates quirky, unique jewelry that caters to niche interests. She gets her supplies from wholesalers and thrift stores.
Jules (@imadeitjs)
Jules made her Thrifty University debut with vintage clothing she describes as “random and eclectic.” From Texas, Jules also makes and sells her own clothing designs and heat presses them on herself.
Nola (@thrift.chemist)
Nola is from Denver and curates clothes from the 90’s and 2000’s. She sources her inventory from private vendors, rag houses, and does closet swaps with her own clothing when buying from thrift stores.