![After the Raider's first goal of the game, scored by senior captain Luke Galizio, the players pile onto the glass by the student section to celebrate, igniting the crowd into a roar. "The atmosphere was incredible, having two towns that both come to support us is amazing," Galizio said. "When [the crowd] started chanting 'Raider nation' it made [the game] feel like it wasn't just one team against another, we had a whole building of fans supporting us."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/06FBB04E-4C03-408A-B554-FE6C06CE8C08_1_105_c.jpeg)
![The Class of 2025 rushes the stage at the end of senior show. "[Senior show] was super fun, and it was a great way for all of us to come together for the start of senior spring," senior Amelia Lang said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_0522-1200x800.jpg)
In a world filled with overpriced, harmful fast fashion, it’s important to watch what we buy and consider how it could affect the environment we live in. A great, affordable and sustainable option is thrifting. Shopping secondhand comes in all different variations. Keep reading to learn about some of the local hidden treasures to start your thrift journey.
Sister Thrift
A personal favorite spot that is women-owned is Sister Thrift. Sister Thrift’s first location in Framingham, MA opened in 2003, which was soon followed by a second location in Watertown that opened in 2005. Since its establishment, the thrift store has been dedicated to exclusively raising funds in support of the MetroWest Humane Society (MWHS). MWHS is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the well-being of cats in the MetroWest area. So not only are you buying high quality and name brand pieces, you’re getting them for a great price and donating to a worthy cause.
Savers
With over 300 locations, Savers is a popular for-profit thrift store retailer. Depending on the location, they support different causes. The local Savers in Framingham supports the Epilepsy Foundation. Compared to the small size of Sister Thrift, Savers is a big store with a wider variety of options. Additionally, when you donate clothes, they give you a 20% off your purchase coupon for your next visit.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet is a chain retailer that will buy your clothes from you. They have over 500 locations across the nation, and uniquely organize their merchandise by color. When you make an appointment, you’re allowed to bring 30 items in, and the employees will then choose the ones that are worth reselling in the store. Since each of their items are hand-picked to go on their racks, one can find a great selection, including more on-trend picks. If you want to find guaranteed name brands, Plato’s Closet is a good place to check out.
Depop/ThredUp/Vinted
If you don’t like the idea of sifting through thrifted clothes on the hunt for your “perfect piece,” online thrifting is an option too. Sites like Depop, ThredUp and Vinted all make finding specific pieces tailored to your personal easy. ThredUp gives back points when you ship them clothes to sell. These points can be used toward purchases on their website. Shopping second-hand online is still more environmentally friendly than shopping on fast-fashion sites.
Garment District
Definitely one of the most unique vintage stores in the Boston area is The Garment District. The store is 12,000 square feet, with thousands of new and used unique items. There is a large assortment of styles throughout the store. In 1981, the store moved from selling cleaning cloths to selling clothes by the pound. During the week, the store takes 850 pound bales of randomized clothing and arranges it for customers to shop. You pay by weight, only spending $2 per pound, re-enforcing their goals of staying affordable and sustainable.
