ThriftCon: Atlanta's Treasure Trove
by Shayla Ho
For as long as I can remember, thrifting and hand-me-downs have been the main sources of my wardrobe. I distinctly remember my heart dropping as a kid whenever someone asked me where I got my clothes. However, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, telling someone I thrift has not been an embarrassed, hushed conversation. I don’t get any more dirty looks; instead, I get simple ‘oohh's and ‘aahh's.
Thrifting has garnered a large community on TikTok through the years. As more people posted their finds, demand for the activity shot up. In the midst of that, ThriftCon slowly climbed its way to success. As much as it pains me to stop gatekeeping, ThriftCon is definitely something you should check out this March.
What is it?
ThriftCon, according to their website, is “the nation's premier vintage clothing and collectible sale”. In the Atlanta Expo Center, vendors from across Georgia set up booths to showcase and sell their thrift finds. These booths are presented flea market-style and run by some of the most fashionable people you’ll ever see. On top of booths, a pit in the back is always dedicated to trading clothing and shoes with other thrift enthusiasts.
The beauty of ThriftCon is in the aesthetic and variety of clothes you can find. ThriftCon has booths for any budget and likely any specific pieces you’d want. Next to a booth strictly selling hundred-dollar 1998 collectable jackets is a pile of clothes just dumped on a table priced at five dollars each – complete with people rummaging through and fighting over everything.
Not only is there a huge variety of clothing available, but the convention’s community is insanely diverse. From the skinniest jeans ever and Nike Techs to the baggiest jeans ever and Rick Owens, every clothing aesthetic is represented. All ages are present too, making ThriftCon a space for everybody. From my two years of experience, people have been admirable and welcoming. With beautiful fits and clothes to admire, exceptional music, and strangers finding their people, it’s hard not to feel like you’re experiencing summer in the middle of March.
Getting into ThriftCon
At Atlanta Expo Center North, 3650 Jonesboro Rd SE, ThirftCon will be hosted through the weekend of March 23rd – 24th. Early entry tickets are $45 starting at 9am. General admission on Saturday is $18 while Sunday’s price is $14. Below is their main advertisement poster, which sets the general vibe of the convention.
Sourced from this ThriftCon Instagram post.
Not only does ThriftCon host this event, but their website and Instagram posts give out pieces of “ThriftCon University.” Their schooling involves education on the history and culture of clothes and general useful tips for thrifters.
To dive deeper and plan out actually going, useful links will be posted below. I’ll be attending on Saturday, so come say ‘hi’ and ‘thank you for not gatekeeping’. Remember, if you decide to go and find something fire, tell people Shayla put you on.