Community Highlights: Meet Zachary Titzer of 812 Thrift

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Titzer.

Hi Zachary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
812 THRIFT began as a passion project between friends Zachary and Owen, who turned their shared love of thrifting in Evansville, Indiana, into a business. Initially launched as “OfAndZTresell” on Instagram, the venture was rebranded to 812 THRIFT in November 2019, giving it a fresh identity. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, with thrifting becoming nearly impossible and Owen moving to Vincennes to join the National Guard, leaving Zachary to manage the business alone. In its early days, 812 THRIFT was primarily known to friends of the founders, making expansion challenging due to a limited audience. Recognizing the potential for growth, Zachary shifted his mindset to scale the brand, focusing on building a strong, recognizable identity and reaching beyond the immediate network. This strategic approach emphasized creating a community and curating unique experiences, transforming the business into more than just a clothing store. A pivotal moment came in March 2023 with the release of the Pretty Girls hoodie, which resonated deeply with customers and significantly boosted the brand’s visibility. The success of this launch showcased 812 THRIFT’s ability to blend style, culture, and authenticity, capturing a broader audience’s attention. Since then, the brand has continued to evolve, pushing boundaries and expanding its reach while maintaining its core values. Zachary envisions 812 THRIFT as a platform to connect with people, inspire creativity, and build a community that values individuality and sustainability.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In its early days, 812 Thrift was known primarily to friends of Zachary and Owen, which made expansion challenging. Without a broader audience, growing the brand required significant effort to reach beyond their immediate network, build awareness, and establish a presence in the wider community.

We’ve been impressed with 812 Thrift, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
812 THRIFT is a modern thrift and vintage brand centered around storytelling, creativity, and community. We specialize in curated secondhand clothing, with a strong focus on vintage sportswear, collegiate apparel, and unique graphic pieces. Every item we offer is hand-selected to reflect both quality and character.

What sets us apart is how we blend thrifting with culture. From original campaigns to traveling pop-up events, 812 THRIFT is more than just a brand — it’s a platform for connection. Our pop-ups across the Midwest create real moments with our audience, and our content-driven approach keeps our community engaged both online and in person.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how personal and recognizable 812 has become. Our “Pretty Girls Wear 812” campaign, in particular, has become a defining part of our identity — celebrating confidence, individuality, and self-expression.

We want readers to know that 812 THRIFT is rooted in purpose. Whether you’re shopping online or stopping by one of our events, you’re supporting a brand that values authenticity, sustainability, and a love for secondhand fashion

Any big plans?
812 THRIFT, we’re entering an exciting new chapter of growth and deeper community connection. Our biggest news: we’re opening our first brick-and-mortar store in Evansville, Indiana — the hometown of our founder, Zachary Titzer. This space will serve as a creative hub for our brand, offering curated vintage collections, exclusive in-store drops, and a place for our community to gather and engage.

We’re also expanding our collaborative efforts, building on the success of initiatives like the 812 Coffee Tour. These collaborations allow us to merge fashion with local culture, creating unique experiences that resonate with our audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://812thrift.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/812thrift?igsh=c25uc2FtMng1NGxk&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KbaBxtrsC/?mibextid=wwXIfr