26 Oct News from Experienced Goods November 2021

From Jennie Reichman, Shop staff

“You kids, get off my lawn!” Those words have become synonymous with jokes about differences between people of one generation (over 40ish) and another (under 25ish). Those of us in the first category either laugh and nod knowingly at those jokes, or, like me, fidget uncomfortably at the implied ageism. I know that ageism is commonly thought to be discrimination against an older group, but really, it cuts both ways. For some reason it seems to be more acceptable for people over 40 to target the behaviors and preferences of younger people than it does for the reverse, as if the words of older people are intrinsically intended to impart wisdom gained from experience (“When I was your age….”), ignoring the dismissiveness and arrogance of those words. I have friends who carry on at length about “kids these days” and how they (the adults) never would have defied parental and societal rules to the extent that younger people currently do, until I remind them of all the crazy, risky, gray-hair-inducing behaviors they engaged in as teenagers. Every generation rebels and invents its own set of rules; it’s how people figure out their places in the world and how they want that world to look. Sometimes the behaviors are destructive, but older adults can be just as destructive, and sometimes more devious about it. Thinking that the world is going to heck in a handbasket because of the younger generation is as old as the hills, and it has never served to build bridges between people or helped them to learn from each other.

You may well ask, what does this have to do with the day-to-day activities of a thrift store? As you know, I work primarily on the clothing side of things at Experienced Goods, and a wide variety of fashion passes through my hands every day. From high-end boutique styles to almost disposable fast fashion trends, of-the-minute looks to vintage pieces. I’ve learned to discern the differences between antique, vintage and retro clothing, and I’ve gotten much pleasure out of seeing styles I wore in the 80s become coveted “vintage” looks for younger people. I loved those clothes when I was in my 20s, and it makes me happy they are coming back around. I also appreciate observing the fashion choices of our younger staff members and shoppers, because it clues me in to what will sell when it hits the racks. For instance, there was a time when a pair of jeans with rips in the legs would have gone right in the salvage pile. No more! Those are cute and hip and will be snapped up in a heartbeat, especially given how pricey they are in regular retail stores.

It’s also tempting to see a group of teenagers come into the store and to brace ourselves for noise, chaos and general mayhem. Sometimes that’s true, but mostly they are simply having a really good time shopping, and what’s not to love about that?  Recently, on any given Saturday a bus rolls into town from The Putney School, filled with students having a “town” day. They blow into Experienced Goods, 30 or so of them at once, and the energy and positive fun vibe in the store ratchets up several notches. They have the best time finding cool clothes, jewelry and tchotchkes, trying things on for each other, laughing, talking, swarming around the racks. The staff shifts into high gear, all hands are on deck rehanging clothes, answering questions and ringing up sales.  These kids are polite, funny, sweet and respectful. Yes, they make some noise, but a noisy thrift store is usually a profitable one. When they leave after an hour or so, the quiet and calm feel weird, like a dramatic thunderstorm just passed through and we are left with the memory of the thrilling display.

So yes, there are generational differences, but we were once that younger group, making that noise, breaking those rules. Phones, texting, social media, fashion, it’s easy to put a negative spin on these realities because they are the tools of people younger than us and require us to learn something new. All that really does is highlight our fear of losing relevance. Embracing and learning to use what’s new does not negate a lifetime’s experience or wisdom: It can be fun and enriching and keep us in and of the world as it evolves. And if we as adults can learn from younger folks, maybe they will also be open to learning from us. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go dig out my high-waisted jeans and Doc Martens from the back of my closet …