The Return of Physical Media - Going Analog as a Trend

In recent months, the concept of going "analog" and owning physical media over paying for streaming services has skyrocketed in popularity. "Physical media" refers to tangible items that you would typically buy once and own forever, like CDs, DVDs, cassettes, VHS tapes, etc.

This trend is rooted in nostalgia and the romanticization of a time when things were "simpler." The sentimentality we feel towards things that remind us of childhood is powerful and influences what we buy. More and more, we are buying things that we had as children, and it's been made easier to find these things now that thrifting has become significantly popular and even cool.

Thrift stores are a haven for older items that are no longer in style, and haven't been for years or even decades. If you're a frequent secondhand shopper, you may have noticed that CD and DVD players don't last long, as customers are quick to buy them; what's become an ever hotter commodity are VCRs to play VHS movies!

While nostalgia is a big reason we're seeing more and more people flock to buying physical media, another reason they're making this switch has to do with the desire of truly owning something and only paying for it once.

Using streaming services and memberships provides access to thousands of songs, movies, shows, and books, but these come at a monthly or yearly cost; once you leave these services and stop paying, the media you've enjoyed is no longer available to you, or at least, not in the way it was when you were paying for it.

For some, this is preferable, especially if they favor consuming new often. But for those who are tired of footing a recurring bill and would prefer curating a collection of favorite music artists, movies and shows, going analog is much more appealing. Many dabble in both.

As an employee of a thrift store, I will note that witnessing customers delight in items they remember but haven't seen in years is such a joy. I experienced this myself just the other day when a Strawberry Shortcake DVD that I used to watch when I was little came into donations. Suddenly, memories of lazy afternoons and messy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches came rushing back, and I was filled with utter joy!

Whether or not you decide to partake in this trend of owning physical media, I highly suggest visiting the thrift for the chance to get to walk down memory lane. If you come to Overflow, show us your finds and what they mean to you! 

We can't wait to see you!

 

Mari Russo, Marketing Coordinator at Overflow Thrift Store