In the bustling city of Singapore, a revolutionary thrift store known as Thryft is making waves by harnessing artificial intelligence to transform the buying and selling of secondhand items. Whether you're looking to declutter after a shopping frenzy or seeking budget-friendly gifts, thrift stores like Thryft are your go-to treasure troves.

Thryft boasts an impressive online database with over 40,000 secondhand items, including clothes, books, and vinyl records. This unique platform encourages users to either rehome their items or shop for pre-loved goods. But here's the twist: what sets Thryft apart is its clever use of AI technology. This innovation helps streamline traditional processes like pricing, cataloguing, and managing inventory, allowing the Thryft team to focus on enhancing customer experience and building community initiatives.

From Campus Idea to Thriving Business

Thryft originated in 2019 through the vision of five Harvard-NUS College students. They aimed to capitalize on the burgeoning secondhand market by creating an easy-to-use platform that streamlines the experience for both sellers and buyers. Co-founder Eddie Lim recalls how a Facebook group for Yale-NUS College students served as their initial inspiration. Realizing that many still-owned unwanted items, they conceptualized a solution to efficiently manage the trade of these goods.

“Throughout our time at school, we organized pop-up events to collect and resell old clothes and books. However, we quickly learned how labor-intensive the process was,” Lim explained. The team recognized that the demand for secondhand items was rising, but the logistics left much to be desired.

Breaking Barriers with AI Technology

Determined to bridge the operational gap, Lim and his teammates developed a tool known as the "Price Predictor." This AI-powered tool simplifies listing items for resale—users just take a photo of their item, and the technology automatically extracts essential information such as title, condition, and estimated price. This automation eliminates the tedious manual tasks, making the entire process seamless, efficient, and user-friendly.

As the thrift store refined its operations, it grew from small campus events to a thriving online community—resulting in increased donations and inventory, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Thryft grew rapidly and secured funding through angel investors, eventually establishing a retail space to enhance in-person shopping experiences.

A Unique Shopping Experience Beyond Online

In late 2021, Thryft opened its first storefront at Peace Centre. Though it closed in early 2024, the team quickly relocated to a new location on Lower Delta Road, where they transformed the space into a welcoming environment filled with books, clothing, and vinyl records. Beyond merely being a store, Thryft provides a community experience. Visitors can engage with interactive features, such as drawing on paper-covered tables or sharing their thoughts on sustainable shopping practices.

The store’s collection extends beyond standard thrift fare; rare vintage books and classic vinyl records are available for those seeking hidden gems. Plus, customers can enjoy a cozy corner with seating arrangements encouraging leisurely reading or relaxation.

Eco-Friendly Shopping Made Easy

Thryft aims to address one of the main barriers to secondhand shopping—convenience. They offer a user-friendly drop-off service and a courier pickup option for those who can't make it to the store. The team weighs the items, assigns a value, and rewards sellers with Thryft credits to purchase other pre-loved items seamlessly.

“I hope Thryft helps people embrace secondhand shopping without the tedious processes that often discourage them,” Lim remarked. “Finding hidden treasures shouldn’t be a burden; it should be a joy.”

As Singaporeans increasingly turn to sustainable and budget-conscious lifestyle choices, Thryft stands out as a beacon of innovation, transforming the secondhand shopping landscape and contributing to a circular economy. Don't miss the chance to discover your next favorite item while supporting eco-friendly practices—visit Thryft and be part of the movement today!