THRIFT & VINTAGE
Good morning Classy People,
The thrift market is one of my most cherished childhood memories. I used to go with my parents to explore unique decor and vintage finds. It felt great to share an activity with both of them, even though they enjoyed it to different degrees, I appreciated that variety.
We rarely shopped for clothes or shoes because those areas were so crowded, and my parents thought we were too young to navigate such a bustling environment. It wasn't until my teenage years that they introduced me to that section, and I loved every moment of searching for fashion gems.
I could spend hours amidst the crowd, listening to sellers shouting into noisy microphones to attract people to their tables. In the Moroccan thrift market, each stand is either a table or a cover on the ground (called LFARRASHA) displaying items for sale.
From a societal perspective in Morocco, thrift shopping is looked down upon. Many Moroccans prefer to buy new items, and there is a prevailing belief that shopping is more about etiquette than about style and quality. However, this mentality has changed significantly with the rise of the 90s generation, who have begun to embrace thrift shopping and promote it as an acceptable practice within Moroccan society.
The thrift market experience in Morocco is not for everyone, it requires a specific approach and a unique energy. However, the items available for sale certainly attract a large number of people.
About ten years ago, some Moroccans introduced the concept of online thrifting through websites and social media platforms like Facebook.
Facebook Groups became incredibly popular, allowing people to purchase valuable items at affordable prices without needing to visit physical thrift markets. This online business model grew in Morocco and provided many individuals, especially young people, with a satisfying source of income.
The popularity of online thrifting led a talented group of entrepreneurs to establish Le Vintage Village in Casablanca two years ago.
Le Vintage Village is dedicated to those who love exploring thrift markets and curating impressive collections to sell.
The focus is primarily on fashion, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. While art and home décor are often considered antiques and have a different selling process aimed at another audience, but it is still possible to find such items at Le Vintage Village.
My first experience selling thrifted items was at 16 years old when I was in the United States. I was introduced to garage sales, and I participated with great enthusiasm. I loved it and knew that I wanted to be involved in this kind of business in my adulthood.
Fashion, as you all know by now, is everything I come back to, whether as a blogger, a fashion designer, or a stylist. Fashion is a significant part of my creative bubble that I have enjoyed professionally for years. So, when I eventually start my thrifting business, I will definitely approach it from a fashion perspective.
In 2024, I attended Le Vintage Village for the first time and spent amazing quality time exploring and talking to wonderful people. You know what? These people know more about fashion and style than many I’ve met while exhibiting with other fashion designers.
The thrift community in Morocco is incredibly fashionable and stylish, and their mentality is so artistic and creative. I loved meeting them and learning from their experiences.
On the way back from Le Vintage Village, I felt that it was the right time to enter the thrift business. As I always do before entering a new field, I need to explore more by visiting their online and physical platforms and then purchase from them. I must buy from both their physical stores and online shops to understand how it works and whether there is a hierarchy similar to that in the fashion industry.
As a result of my study, I found that some people in the fashion thrift business in Morocco operate full-time, while others do so occasionally. Some specialize in vintage items, while others consider any used items acceptable for sale.
Some individuals embody the true essence of thrifting to sell, while others are less attuned to the concept and simply sell their personal used items after emptying their closets. There are those who focus exclusively on selling clothing, or bags only, or shoes, or accessories, while others display a variety of items.
Finally, some invest significant time in sourcing high-quality items from reputable fashion houses and creators that use premium fabrics, while others prioritize fast fashion, as long as it sells.
Thrift stores rarely sell items for both women and men. I noticed that women have more options, as they can choose from classic styles and old-school streetwear, while men primarily have access to old-school streetwear and not as many gentlemanly options.
In terms of pricing, thrift store items definitely cost less than their new counterparts. For high-end thrift fashion clothing, prices usually start at around $20, while prices for thrifted fast fashion items begin at about $3.
As a highlight of this article, I’m excited to share my top list of thrift fashion stores in Morocco. These shops are active every week, consistently presenting new items while offering affordable prices and a decent selection of clothing.
Please keep in mind that my listing of these stores does not imply that one is better than the others.
Here are my favorites:
2. Thrift Mania
4. O’SUIVANT
5. Vintaginal
8. So Thriftic
9. LMSV
10. Studio Vintage
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