Portland has long been well-known for its roses and unique food scene, but more recently, it’s become a thrifting hotspot. 

Thrifting has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. According to an article in Forbes, published on September 15, 2025, “The U.S. secondhand apparel market has grown from $28 billion in 2019 to $49 billion last year and is projected to reach $56 billion this year.” Portland has tons of thrift shops, from clothing to books and furniture, and Lincoln students have their favorite. 

Senior Luce Scott’s favorite spot is Memory Den. 

“[It’s] close to the waterfront on the east side. It’s two floors and it’s huge,” said Scott. “So it’s mostly like an antique store, but there’s a lot of clothes there as well. It’s all different vendors, and each of the vendors just gets whatever you pay for it.”

Senior Anna Skarpness goes to William Temple on 23rd Ave.  

“Their prices are good, and they have a variety of things, like books and silverware,” said Skarpness. “They have everything, [and you can] find anything there. It’s amazing.”

Scott goes to another location in Sellwood, called Stars.  

“It’s two blocks big,” Scott says that Stars has had such a wide variety of items, including clothes, plants and books. 

Everyone has different reasons to thrift. For Scott, it’s about sustainability. 

“It’s definitely an ethical way to get clothes,” said Scott. “I don’t really support fast fashion, and I feel like it’s really harmful.” 

Skarpness feels similarly and loves the connections made when thrifting. 

“I really enjoy thrifting with my friends, and you can do it with other people,” said Skarpness. 

Both see the value in individuality. 

“It feels much more personalized because you’re finding individual pieces. There’s not more of them in the store,” said Skarpness.