You’re standing in a crowded aisle. It smells like old leather, mothballs, and maybe a little bit of magic. You just found a vintage 1970s Levi’s jacket for eight bucks. It’s August 17. Most people are just sweating through the end of summer, but if you’re a bargain hunter, you’re actually celebrating.
So, August 17 is National what day? It is actually National Thrift Shop Day.
But wait. It isn't just about dusty shelves and second-hand sweaters. Depending on who you ask—or which corner of the internet you’re scrolling through—today is also a massive day for animal lovers because it's National Black Cat Appreciation Day.
Isn’t it weird how we bundle these things together? One minute you're hunting for a Pyrex bowl, the next you're trying to convince your neighbor that black cats aren't bad luck. Life is funny that way.
Why National Thrift Shop Day is Actually a Big Deal
Thrifting has changed. It used to be a necessity for some and a "dirty" secret for others. Now? It’s a multi-billion dollar industry. According to data from ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report, the secondhand market is expected to reach nearly $350 billion globally by 2028. People aren't just doing this to save a few pennies; they’re doing it because the planet is literally drowning in fast fashion.
The average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every single year. Think about that. That’s like tossing a heavy suitcase into a landfill every twelve months.
When you participate in August 17 is National Thrift Shop Day, you’re basically giving a middle finger to the "churn and burn" cycle of modern retail. It’s about the hunt. It's about finding that one-of-a-kind silk scarf that no one else in the office has. Honestly, the dopamine hit from finding a $100 item for $5 is better than any mall spree.
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The Real Impact of Your $5 Purchase
Let's get specific. When you buy a used cotton t-shirt instead of a new one, you save about 700 gallons of water. That is enough for one person to drink for three years. It’s wild. Plus, most thrift stores are tied to non-profits. Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local hospice shops use that revenue to fund job training and community programs.
It's a rare "everybody wins" scenario.
The Mystery of National Black Cat Appreciation Day
Now, let's pivot. If you aren't at the thrift store, you might be at a shelter. Why? Because August 17 is also National Black Cat Appreciation Day.
This isn't just some cute Instagram hashtag. It exists for a pretty somber reason. Black cats have the lowest adoption rates and the highest euthanasia rates in shelters across the United States. It's ridiculous. We live in a world of space travel and AI, yet people still get nervous if a dark-furred cat crosses their path.
Wayne Morris started this day to honor his sister, June, who passed away. She loved black cats. He wanted to break the stigma.
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It’s mostly Hollywood’s fault. Or maybe the Middle Ages. Take your pick. For centuries, black cats were associated with witchcraft and "familiars." In the 1230s, Pope Gregory IX basically declared war on black cats, claiming they were incarnations of Satan. Talk about a bad PR agent.
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Even today, shelter workers talk about "Black Cat Syndrome." Potential adopters walk right past the black cats because they’re harder to see in dark cages, or because they don't look as "expressive" in photos.
Honestly, it’s a shame. Black cats are basically tiny house panthers. They are sleek. They are majestic. And because of their genetics, they are often more resistant to certain diseases like FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).
Wait, There is More? (The Massachusetts Connection)
If you happen to be in Massachusetts on August 17, you’re celebrating something entirely different. It’s National Massachusetts Day.
This is part of a larger series where the "National Day Calendar" folks recognize each state in the order they joined the Union or gained statehood. Massachusetts is the "Spirit of America." It’s where the Mayflower landed, where the Boston Tea Party happened, and where you can’t throw a rock without hitting a Dunkin’ Donuts.
It’s a day to appreciate the Berkshires, the Cape, and the fact that people there actually know how to drive in the snow (mostly).
How to Actually Celebrate August 17
Don't just sit there. If you're wondering what to do now that you know August 17 is National what day, here is the roadmap.
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- Hit the local shops early. Pro tip: Most thrift stores restock on Monday mornings after the weekend donations are processed. Since August 17 falls on different days each year, check your local shop's schedule. Look for "tag sales" where specific colors are 50% off.
- Donate, don't just buy. If your closet is bulging, give back. But be cool about it. Don't donate trash. If it’s ripped, stained, or broken, the thrift store has to pay to dispose of it. That hurts their bottom line.
- Adopt (or advocate). If you’ve been thinking about a pet, go to the shelter and ask to see their longest-resident black cat. If you can’t adopt, share a photo of one on social media.
- Check the "National Day" noise. Look, there are about 1,500 "national days" now. Some are corporate junk. Some are meaningful. August 17 happens to be one of the better ones because it focuses on sustainability and animal welfare.
The Nuance of the "National Day" Phenomenon
Let's be real for a second. Who decides this? Usually, it's a mix of grassroots founders and companies looking for a marketing hook. National Thrift Shop Day was likely popularized by large resellers to drive summer traffic. National Black Cat Appreciation Day came from a place of genuine loss and a desire for change.
The danger of these days is "slacktivism." Posting a picture of a cat doesn't feed a cat. Tagging a thrift find doesn't help the environment if you're still buying 50 new items from ultra-fast-fashion sites every month.
The value is in the shift of perspective.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you want to make the most of August 17, skip the big-box retailers. Head to a "hole-in-the-wall" charity shop. Look for natural fibers like wool, silk, and linen—these are the real "white whales" of thrifting.
When you're done, stop by an animal rescue. Even a $5 donation to a "Black Cat Fund" makes a difference. These organizations often use those specific funds for medical cases that other cats might not get.
August 17 is a day about finding value in the overlooked. Whether it's a "void" kitty at the shelter or a vintage lamp in a dusty corner, today is about seeing the beauty in things that others have cast aside.
Your August 17 Checklist:
- Check local thrift store hours. Some have special 8/17 discounts.
- Clean out one drawer. Only one. Don't overwhelm yourself. Donate the good stuff.
- Learn one Massachusetts fact. Did you know the chocolate chip cookie was invented there? Now you do.
- Share a "House Panther." If you own a black cat, post a high-quality photo to help debunk the "bad luck" myth.
Stop buying new. Start looking closer. The best things on August 17 are usually the ones that have already been loved once before.