Young Indians Embrace Thrift Fashion Amid Job Crisis

In India, many young people are resorting to selling secondhand clothes online due to difficulties in finding formal employment. The secondhand clothing industry in India is valued at ₹33,000 crore (approximately $2.5 billion) annually.

Individuals like Astha Chhetri, a seller who manages her online store, and Vishu Roi, who operates a thrift store near Sarojini Nagar Market in Delhi, exemplify this trend. Chhetri, who has transitioned from a traditional job, spends significant time managing her online presence and sourcing clothes, while Roi emphasizes the financial benefits of reselling thrifted items.

Abhin Bougia, who began selling with minimal investment, has seen fluctuations in income, sometimes earning up to ₹35,000 in a single day. However, challenges such as unreliable payment systems and competition on social media platforms persist.

Arup Mitra, a professor of economics, notes that the youth's shift to entrepreneurship is a response to the unavailability of stable jobs, with 10 million young Indians aged 15-29 currently unemployed.