Store of the Future

World's largest online thrift store opens shop of the future at Texas outlet center

This will change how you shop.

Courtesy photo

The "thrift store of the future" is coming to Texas. ThredUP, the world's largest online thrift store, is opening its first-ever brick-and-mortar store in San Marcos at the Tanger Outlets. The official grand opening is set for July 20, and shoppers can expect a super-personalized experience, thanks to smart technology.

In the era of Uber, HelloFresh, and Instacart, it was only a matter of time before thrift stores made the jump to a more customized, digital approach. And that's precisely what thredUP has done.

Touting itself as a "thrift store of the future," thredUP presents the perfect shopping experience for the modern-day consumer. Among the many innovative features that the online store boasts, thredUP works to determine which brands are trending in which cities and areas, and then stocks the shelves accordingly. This standard will hold true for the physical location, as well.

And, in the vein of personal styling services such as Stitch Fix, thredUP's "psychic salespeople" will actually pre-stock your dressing room and help make suggestions based on your preferences and in-store browsing. "Psychic salespeople" can also provide shoppers instant notifications of relevant new arrivals, and you can even elect to receive a surprise box of clothing to try on at home.

ThredUP swaps out styles seasonally and regularly refreshes its inventory with 35,000-plus brands, including J. Crew, Madewell, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Lululemon, and more, offered at less than half the regular price. Overall, thredUP claims to have an average discount of 80 percent off.

The thrift empire was founded by James Reinhart in 2008 and is now the largest online marketplace for buying women’s and kid’s secondhand clothing.

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UNIFORM UTOPIA

Luxury scrubs brand FIGS opens first Texas location in Rice Village

Photo courtesy of FIGS

FIGS will open its new Rice Village Community Hub on December 6.

Healthcare apparel company FIGS is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Texas with a new Community Hub in Rice Village. The retail space is designed to serve both as a store and a gathering spot for the city's healthcare community.

The Rice Village location opens this Saturday, December 6, with a public grand opening event on December 13 from 6 to 8 pm featuring giveaways, music, food, and drinks from local vendors. Joining outposts in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York City, the Houston location is the fourth Community Hub for the company and the only location in the South.

The store will carry the full range of FIGS products, including scrubwear, loungewear, and accessories. It will also host events and programming focused on healthcare topics, offering visitors opportunities to meet and share experiences.

At the new FIGS boutique, shoppers will find the Color Clinic, offering scrubwear in core colors with rotating seasonal options. The store also has a Customization Station, which provides embroidery for names, titles, practice or hospital logos, and local icon options available only at Community Hubs. Personalization is also available for scrub caps, outerwear, and accessories.

FiGS The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram

The brand, founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, is known for fashion-forward medical uniforms made from a proprietary fabric with four-way stretch, antimicrobial technology, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance. Hasson and Spear began selling directly to healthcare workers in Los Angeles-area hospital parking lots before growing their presence as an online retailer.

CEO and co-founder Trina Spear believes Rice Village was the perfect choice due to its proximity to the Texas Medical Center. She said the company wanted a space that supports Houston healthcare professionals and gives them a place to shop and connect.

"Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, and we are honored to bring a FIGS Community Hub to this city. This space is designed to serve and celebrate Houston healthcare professionals," said Spear. "Our Community Hubs create opportunities for customers to not only shop in a way that never previously existed, but to connect with each other and with FIGS on a deeper level."

FIGS Community Hub, 5515 Kelvin Dr., Suite 130, 77005

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