BOZEMAN – Thrift stores, including Goodwill, across the nation have been swamped from people bringing in clothing over the last month. And the uptick might be due in part to a new television show and minimalism movement that has captured the nation’s attention.
The recently released Netflix show, “Tidying up with Marie Kondo”, is being recognized for a spark in clothing give away and donations at thrift stores across the nation – this is even being recognized for some of the recent activity at Bozeman stores.
“A couple have mentioned that they watch the show and it made them want to get rid of some stuff, I think some people really like the show, it’s convincing them that they should it rid of some stuff and they’re deciding to bring it here,” said Helena Klein, Co-Manager of Sacks of Bozeman.
To have steady and even slightly above average donations is important for a Montana city like Bozeman, which can see subfreezing temperatures every month of the year.
“I think one of the reasons that people end up donating some of their nice warm stuff is we do provide assistance to community members in need, especially for the homeless, it can get pretty cold for them,” said Klein. “I think a lot of people think about that and say maybe I don’t need that one coat I only wear once every few months.”
With people continuing to donate their unwanted and unused clothes, through the winter time here in southwest Montana, it’s really good news for the community.
“It offers the community a lot of support for people who may be struggling in different ways,” said Klein. “I think people know hat and when you donate here, it’s really going toward strengthening the community.”
A few Goodwill stores across the country have seen clothing donations increase by over one hundred percent since January first.
Reporting by Carson Vickroy for MTN News
