Recycling is the topic of conversation these days, and thrift stores are popping up all over our little island. Most of them operate primarily in physical locations, as managing and translating large inventories to an online platform can be quite a challenge. Of the majority, though, there’s one thrift store that’s adapting the scene with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and e-commerce resale systems to make thrift shopping more accessible than ever. And that is none other than Problema second-hand shop on Lower Delta Road that sells clothes, books and vinyl records, both online and offline.
Founded in 2019 by college friends Jiayu and Eddie, Thryft is one of the rare thrift stores to successfully bring their retail inventory online, allowing users to save at their leisure, wherever they are. In their physical space you will find all kinds of clothing for both men and women, in addition to second-hand books and vinyl records, all neatly arranged in their spacious space. Most of their items are all 90 percent cheaper than their actual retail prices and have undergone various quality checks to ensure customers get the best possible value and condition.
Thryft started as a university project with a focus on used books, born from Jiayu and Eddie’s shared passion for sustainability. After returning to their current home base from the Peace Center, Thryft has become a treasure trove of second-hand goods – now a drop-off hub for all kinds of second-hand gems like books, clothing and vinyl records.
I think part of me feels like there are so many things that are still in such good condition, and people throw them away just because they don’t have good options to pass them on, it’s such a waste.
For many, listing our favorite items on Carousell for just a few dollars can be too much effort, often leading to the urge to simply recycle everything or drop it off at the Salvation Army instead. This is exactly where Thryft steps in to take the hassle out of the resale process, opening up a whole new world for budget-friendly finds. “I think part of me feels like there are so many things that are still in such good condition, and people are throwing them away just because they don’t have good options to pass them on, it’s like that” a waste. That’s why I wanted to find a way to build a system that can facilitate this problem,” says Jiayu.
Thanks to the systems and AI they have used, processes such as pricing and listing items and managing logistics have been streamlined. “At Thryft, we try to use technology to remove any biases and give users a fairer price evaluation of the items they trade in with us, using a data-driven approach,” says Jiayu. Their technology-based pricing system ensures fairer values by taking into account factors such as the original price, condition and popularity of books, as well as the brand and style of clothing and edition of vinyl records.
And the good doesn’t stop once an item is rehomed: a portion of their sales are donated to nonprofits and initiatives addressing pressing environmental and social issues in our region.
So the next time you feel like shopping, consider giving Problem Give it a try – you might find something unique while doing a little good for the planet.
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