First-years bring Depop fashion reselling culture to Northwestern First-years bring Depop to Northwestern

Two Weinberg first-years are reviving the vintage fashion market in Evanston and beyond, selling clothing items on the app Depop.

With the class of 2029 coming to Northwestern, a new generation of retailers has brought their online businesses to campus. 

Weinberg first-year Ryan Beck began selling clothes on Depop his junior year of high school under the account name @pbcitrus. Since then, he’s continued to sell vintage finds, even in the narrow confines of a dorm.

“It’s a little more difficult here, just because I simply don’t have the space to operate it,” Beck said. “I’ll sell something maybe once every two weeks, since I’m not getting any new stock.”

Even without a constant flow of merchandise, Beck still finds the time to utilize the cyclical fashion site. Because Depop states its mission is “to make fashion circular, keeping what already exists in use for longer, and inspiring millions more people to choose secondhand over new,” fashion-forward students looking to revive their wardrobes can use the site as a sustainable option for shopping.

For those who enjoy thrifting in their free time, turning out a profit is an upside to becoming resellers, said Beck. 

Illinois Wesleyan University junior Bella Dean met Beck during her junior year of high school. Since then, she’s witnessed his growth as a Depop merchant. 

“I’ve gone on so many thrift trips with [Beck], and we’re out there for like twelve hours a day,” Dean said. “I’ve definitely seen him put the work in, and I know that he just has a big passion for clothes. 

While some Depop sellers have generated scrutiny for upselling, the hobby of thrifting is the main event for many.

For those needing a closet downsize, opening a Depop shop is a way to put their closet staples into the hands of others, without contributing to the fast-fashion enterprise.

Under this mission, Weinberg freshman Allie Park downloaded Depop during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but began selling clothes on the site later in high school. Park sells clothes under the username @alexginrainbows, with a collection of comedic tees picturing kittens and bands.

“While I was packing for college this past summer, I realized how many clothes that I’m not bringing because I don’t think I’m going to wear them,” Park said. “This is a good opportunity to list the clothes that I’m not bringing to college,” she added.

For those looking for more affordable options, Depop can be rife with overpriced articles, Park said.

“Depop selling is so crazy,” Park said. “People will sell some shirt they got from The Children’s Place in 2015 for like, $40. That’s kind of absurd,” Park added. 

For the next generation of trendsetters at NU, they can look to the new generation of resellers entering the Depop market for their latest pieces.

Email: [email protected] 

X: @alexingvold 

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