The start of a new year often brings the urge to reset. A new mindset, new routines, and sometimes even a new way of dressing that feels more like you. At Big Reuse, a fresh start does not have to mean buying something brand new. It can begin with a piece that already has a story and is ready to become part of yours. When you walk into our Gowanus Reuse Center/thrift store (or soon-to-open Bushwick Reuse Center/thrift store), the clothing section immediately draws you in. Racks of secondhand shorts, pants, blazers, tops, and bold dresses line the space, each piece carefully sorted and ready to be worn again.
Shoes sit neatly displayed, already broken in and waiting to get on the move with someone new. There is something grounding about seeing clothing treated with care – not rushed or disposable, but valued and given time.
That care makes a real difference. Instead of being thrown away, more than 77,000 pieces of clothing were given another chance through Big Reuse in 2025, cleaned, sorted, and thoughtfully displayed so they could continue to be worn, styled, and appreciated. Our staff places standout pieces on mannequins to highlight their beauty, turning the clothing floor into something that feels more like a living collection than a thrift store. Each item becomes part of a shared story about creativity, sustainability, and individuality.
The choice to thrift secondhand clothing is not just about saving money, though affordability is part of it. It is also about slowing down the cycle of fast fashion that sends millions of tons of textiles to landfills every year. When you shop secondhand, you help reduce the demand for new clothing production, which requires enormous amounts of water, energy, and resources. At the same time, your purchase supports Big Reuse’s environmental and community programs, helping keep reuse and education at the center of our work.
Style is deeply personal, and accessories often make all the difference. Scarves, belts, bags, jewelry, and other small details throughout the store offer easy ways to refresh an outfit and make it your own. These pieces invite creativity and self-expression without following trends or contributing to waste.
At Big Reuse, every clothing item is handled with intention before it reaches the floor. When you choose secondhand, you are not just buying clothes – you are participating in a community that values reuse, clothing with a personality, and personal connection.
If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe this year, we invite you to explore the racks at our Gowanus Reuse Center at 1 12th St in Brooklyn (near the 4th Ave & 9th St R train or the Smith & 9th St G & F train stations) or our soon-to-be opened Bushwick Reuse Center/thrift store at 378 Troutman St in Brooklyn (near the Jefferson L train station).
You can donate your unwanted items to us too – including books, clothing, shoes, games, home goods, furniture, appliances, e-waste and more! Donations are accepted 7 days a week from 10 AM-5 PM. Read our donation guidelines to learn more.
Blog Post written by NYSERDA Fellow Tatiana Guerra