AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of native Austintes are creating a solution to better connect vintage shoppers with local thrift stores and pop-up markets. The group of fellow thrifters created an app called Thryft, which highlights local thrift stores and pop-up vintage events around town. Co-founder Ryan Maddox said the app will let small businesses promote themselves and help consumers find new places to shop. Best thrifting spots in Austin, according to KXAN viewers "If you're not following the right accounts on Instagram ... if you don't know the right people, it can sometimes be hard to get in with the vintage or the secondhand clothing community," Maddox said. Thryft app preview (Courtesy Thryft)Thryft app preview (Courtesy Thryft)Thryft app preview (Courtesy Thryft) The group of childhood friends and Texas A&M Aggies began developing the product during college. Maddox said the idea started after he became tired of visiting the same vintage stores again and again during their visits home to Austin. He knew there was a large vintage community in the capital city, and he wanted an easier way to track the transient pop-up events in Austin. The secondhand clothing market has erupted across the country as people seek more sustainable shopping methods. A 2024 report from resale company ThreadUp found the United States secondhand clothing market is expected to reach $73 billion by 2028, largely driven by resale. The free app launches Saturday and includes vintage stores across Texas but primarily in Austin. Co-founder Aaron Garcia said he hopes their passion project can help thrift shoppers find new stores and support local small businesses—particularly for younger demographics and college-aged kids looking for unique clothes on a budget. "Everything is very affordable. It's a unique way to express yourself," Garcia said. "I think what makes vintage shopping also more unique is the clothes you're looking at and picking at on the racks. Each piece of clothing has a story that none of us have an idea about, because this is, again, second-hand selling."