Westwood Village is about to become even more appealing for UCLA students and eco-conscious shoppers with the arrival of 2nd Street Thrift. This Japan-based consignment store, renowned for its curated selection of second-hand luxury, vintage, and streetwear clothing, is preparing to open its doors, bringing a fresh wave of sustainable fashion to the neighborhood. While an official opening date is still under wraps, anticipation is building for its launch, expected before the end of July, according to Michael Russell, executive director of the Westwood Village Improvement Association.
2nd Street operates on a consignment model, offering customers the opportunity to sell their pre-owned clothing in exchange for cash or store credit. This circular approach to fashion is a key element of its appeal, as highlighted by Miles Garofola-Lam, the internal social director of Refine LA, UCLA’s sustainable fashion club. Garofola-Lam, a rising fourth-year cognitive science student, notes the store’s diverse brand range, stating, “They have a lot of different brands, ranging from really niche internet brands that people may not know to Instagram brands to designer. You can find really unique pieces.” This variety ensures that 2nd Street Thrift caters to a wide range of tastes and styles, making sustainable shopping accessible and exciting.
With 37 locations already established in the United States, 2nd Street’s expansion reflects a growing commitment to combating textile waste. The company’s website emphasizes its mission to address the staggering 15 million tons of clothing that end up in U.S. landfills each year. By offering a platform for resale, 2nd Street actively participates in extending the lifespan of garments and reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Garofola-Lam expresses enthusiasm about the arrival of a consignment store near UCLA, viewing it as a positive shift away from the pervasive “fast fashion” retailers prevalent in Westwood, such as Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters. Fast fashion’s detrimental environmental effects are well-documented. These companies prioritize rapid production using inexpensive, non-biodegradable materials. A 2023 United Nations Environment Programme report revealed that consumers are buying 60% more clothes compared to 2000, yet wearing them for only half as long. This cycle of overconsumption and disposability fuels waste and exacerbates environmental damage.
“It’s just an endless cycle of more and more waste, which is really bad for the environment,” Garofola-Lam explained. “It’s important to pick more circular and regenerative fashion choices.” This sentiment is echoed by Mindy Luo, president of Refine LA, who emphasizes that consignment stores like 2nd Street Thrift represent the most environmentally responsible way to shop, surpassing even “sustainable” brands that produce new clothing lines.
Luo, a rising fourth-year art history and cognitive science student, clarifies, “They’re (sustainable brands) still technically producing output. Secondhand is the best option because it doesn’t require any new clothes to be produced.” She believes 2nd Street can serve as an accessible entry point into secondhand shopping, particularly for those new to the concept, due to its focus on high-quality, desirable clothing items.
However, Luo also points out that while 2nd Street is a welcome step towards sustainability in Westwood, the area could benefit from a broader spectrum of consignment options. She notes that the store’s emphasis on higher-end clothing might present financial barriers for some students and potentially limit opportunities for students to consign items of lower price points. “I’m actually shocked that there aren’t more thrift stores in Westwood because I feel like there’s such a big community at UCLA who do love secondhand clothing,” she stated. “If there are more thrift stores that are going to open up in Westwood in the future, it’d be great to see more accessible options.”
[alt text created: Shoppers browse racks of clothing inside a 2nd Street thrift store, highlighting the variety of styles and curated selection of secondhand fashion.]
Russell emphasizes that 2nd Street’s dedication to sustainability aligns with the Westwood Village Improvement Association’s broader goals for the area. The association actively advocates for eco-friendly transportation solutions, including improved bicycle infrastructure and public transportation, further supporting a greener Westwood.
Luo anticipates a positive reception from UCLA students for the new 2nd Street location. “I’m really excited to see also students’ responses to opening up,” she said. “I’m hoping it also can serve as a place where our community can get together and meet up.” The arrival of 2nd Street Thrift promises not only a sustainable shopping destination but also a potential community hub for fashion-conscious and environmentally aware individuals in Westwood Village.
