ABOUT
812 Thrift started because Zachary was thrifting too many clothes. What began as a personal passion for finding unique pieces throughout the Evansville area quickly turned into an overflowing collection that outgrew his own closet. Instead of letting those finds sit unused, he saw an opportunity to share them with others and turn his love for thrifting into something bigger. In November 2019, 812 Thrift was established with a vision that extended beyond simply reselling clothing. From the beginning, the goal was to create a brand rooted in community, individuality, and giving clothes a second chance.
812 Thrift officially started in a pole barn in Chandler, Indiana, a small town with one elementary school, around 3,000 residents, and five gas stations. It was an unlikely place to build a nationally recognized brand, but it became the foundation for everything 812 Thrift represents today. Those small town roots continue to shape the brand's identity, emphasizing authenticity, community, and the belief that big ideas can come from anywhere.
Like many small businesses, 812 Thrift faced significant challenges during the COVID 19 pandemic. With thrifting becoming increasingly difficult and uncertainty affecting every aspect of business, Zachary was forced to adapt quickly. Rather than allowing these obstacles to define the future of the brand, he used them as motivation to innovate, persevere, and continue building 812 Thrift into something greater.
In its early days, 812 Thrift was known primarily to Zachary's friends and local supporters. Expanding beyond that audience presented a significant challenge. Building awareness, establishing credibility, and creating a recognizable identity required persistence, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Growing the brand meant reaching people outside of familiar circles and proving that 812 Thrift offered something unique.
Then something clicked. Zachary realized that 812 Thrift had the potential to become much more than a small resale operation. He began envisioning a brand capable of creating meaningful connections, curating memorable experiences, and fostering a community centered around individuality, sustainability, and self expression. It was no longer just about selling clothing. It was about building something that people genuinely wanted to be part of.
In March 2023, the release of the Pretty Girls Hoodie became a defining moment for the brand. The drop quickly gained momentum, resonating deeply with customers and generating excitement that extended well beyond the local community. More than just a successful product launch, it demonstrated 812 Thrift's ability to blend style, culture, and authenticity in a way that connected with a much broader audience. The success of the release propelled 812 Thrift into a new chapter of growth and opportunity.
Today, Zachary is in the middle of his second tour with 812 Thrift, the 812 Thrift Summer Tour, bringing the brand to communities across the country with stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and more. What started with thrifting too many clothes and operating out of a pole barn in Chandler, Indiana has grown into a brand with a national presence. From local thrift stores in Southern Indiana to hosting events across major cities nationwide, 812 Thrift's journey reflects the power of persistence, adaptability, and believing that something small can become something much bigger.
Looking ahead, Zachary remains committed to expanding 812 Thrift while staying true to the values that shaped it from the beginning. More than a clothing brand, 812 Thrift has become a community that encourages self expression, sustainability, and the idea that clothes deserve a second chance.