POTCH FALLS HEAD OVER HEELS FOR THRIFT

Chiara Dover

@chiaradoverr

In a town where the reliance on student specials and bargains is alive, well and often a burden to many – it was inevitable that the thrifting bug would bite. Luckily, Potchefstroom is home to a decent amount of thrift stores, and this is your shortcut to exploring them all at the tips of your fingers.

Cachet Pop-Up Thrift Store:

First up is the monthly Cachet thrift pop-up. On the first Friday of each month, this reformed church raises funds through donated thrift finds from church members and other donations. To make this shopping experience even more exciting, the pop-up offers beverages like pancakes or iced coffee, to enhance the sensory value of this spree. Look out for the next sale on 5 September at 28 Hoffman Street on campus by the main gate, where they will  have coffee for R20. 

Second Life Goods Store:

Located at 79 Beyers Naude Ave, Potchefstroom, this thrift store really embraces the vintage vibe. From interior to exterior, this old house which has been revamped into a thrift store is home to many bargains. Their motto says it all: “The idea behind the Second Life Goods Store is to give all people access to quality clothing for a fraction of the original price.” They definitely don’t lie, as Cotton On goods and K-Way puffers have been found amongst their clothing racks. As an added bonus, they were awarded with the ProPotch Community Care award in 2024 for their outstanding contribution to those in need. It’s definitely a must to add to your Potchefstroom bucket list. 

Ons Winkel Potchefstroom:

If five-star ratings were ever in need of a home, this thrift store would be it. This thrift store is part of a chain of stores all over South Africa, including Cape Town and Centurion, and they don’t seem to be able to dissatisfy their customers. Most online influencers have labeled Ons Winkel in Cape Town as the best in South Africa, which might mean that Potchefstroom’s Ons Winkel just hasn’t been discovered by the right people yet.  Ons Winkel is located at 21 Dr James Moroka Lane in Potchefstroom and has plenty to offer from books to furniture to vintage clothing. 

This may be a small beginning to breeding a culture of thrifting in Potchefstroom, but thrifting is on the rise in Potchefstroom and it can lead to a vintage-inspired and sustainable new chapter for the students of Potchefstroom.

Students going through the items offered at the Cachet Pop-up Thrift Store (Source: Kayla de Swart – Cachet)

Edited by Isabel Burgers