In the last few years, millennials and Gen Z-ers have changed the fashion industry by investing in used clothing. “Thrift-flopping” has even become a trend on social media platform TikTok, as people buy used clothes and give them new life with some simple handiwork. The billion-dollar thrifting industry is growing as young people intentionally make purchases to reduce waste, save money and keep up with trends.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI’s Eloisa Gutierrez speaks with Patricia Garcia, a student entrepreneur from Florida International University, about how Garcia tapped into the needs of college students across the country as they look for eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) purchases. “As a student who would dread walking into the college bookstore because I knew I couldn’t afford anything,” says Garcia, “I wanted to change that.” Garcia founded College Thrifts LLC, an online platform for college students and alumni to sell their gently used university merchandise.

CEO Patricia Garcia of College Thrifts LLC

Though still in its prototype phase, College Thrifts’ Instagram page has successfully sold a variety of second-hand apparel, from shoes and hats to tank tops and sweatshirts. Garcia attributes its success to college students making informed purchases, as they hear about environmental impacts from the clothing industry, as well as the desire to keep up with affordable trends. “There’s a lot of vintage apparel that cannot be found anywhere else,” says Garcia, as alumni have contributed that’s no longer available at a university bookstore.

“If you can save 50% off the college bookstore prices, then it’s a win-win. You have more gear to rep your school, and you’re saving money and [leaving] a good environmental footprint,” Garcia says.

Throughout her time as an entrepreneur, Garcia has been able to take advantage of the unique opportunities available to students interested in entrepreneurship. In this podcast, she shares advice she’s received and would give to other students interested in starting their own business while still in college.

In the coming year, Garcia hopes to grow from College Thrifts’ Instagram prototype to a new, more user-friendly online platform and to expand the merchandise it offers.

Podcast Chapters
1:13 About College Thrifts
3:00 Filling the need for affordable gear
4:29 Why recycled and upcycled clothes are popular today
5:32 Significance of college gear for young people
7:42 Importance of sustainability
10:20 Other opportunities within the used college merch market
11:40 Starting a business as a college student
14:18 Looking ahead
15:47 Advice for young entrepreneurs