A growing number of Aussies have gotten a taste for bargain hunting at second-hand shops and sites. A new report has valued the Australian market for such goods at $40 billion – $10 billion more than in 2015. And people are realising they can make a lot of cash selling on unwanted possessions.

Aussie retailer Coles has faced criticism from shoppers and environmental groups following a series of flip-flops over its efforts to eliminate single-use bags. Though people want brands to take action on plastic waste, the incident showed that they don’t want to be inconvenienced in the process.

While 78% of affluent shoppers in the Middle East like to keep up with the latest trends, that’s not always an option when it comes to couture. Designer-24 is giving people a more affordable option by letting them hire high-end fashion, aiming to change consumption habits in the process.

Anyone can buy an expensive new jacket or tea set from a luxury boutique (given enough funds in their bank account), but only a discerning shopper can pluck a gem from a charity shop. Canvas8 spoke to Shelly Steward to understand how thrift stores can provide people with valuable cultural capital.