Shopper at a thrift store buys a cool 'cat' mirror for $15 — then they noticed the hidden plug

Thrifting trends are growing increasingly popular today, but some people have been practicing this sustainable approach to shopping for years. A Reddit user from California (u/intelligent_cold2544) was on their usual trip to the thrift store when their eyes fell on a remarkable find– a cat-shaped mirror. Convinced, the user brought it home only to realize there was more to it. Then, the Californian resident shared the cool mirror’s interesting features on the internet, quickly becoming a hit among viewers with 19,000 votes on the platform. 

In the post, the Reddit user posted three photos depicting the uniqueness of the thrifted mirror. The first picture presented an ordinary mirror, only shaped like a cat, complete with big yellow cat eyes and a tail. However, viewers were unprepared for the next picture. The mirror was lit up with neon lights and trippy patterns. A drastic switch, the cat mirror transformed from being cartoonish to seeming like it would cast a spell on you. Nevertheless, the shopper, who is 40 years old, per Newsweek, was impressed, “in love” rather with the special light effects. They mentioned that they had noticed the plug but did not have an idea of what it was meant for. The final snap showcased the lit-up mirror from a different angle. 

The Reddit user captioned the post, “I grabbed it thinking it was a cool mirror, then I noticed the plug. I didn’t know what to expect as I couldn’t test at the store. Finally plugged it in when I got home. I’m in love!” Like the user, the intriguing light feature brightened up the day for several viewers on the internet. One person (u/eleven-fu) wrote, “Little did they know it was the coolest mirror.” To this, the original poster responded, “And it was only $15!” A great bargain for a mirror like that. “Infinkitty and beyond!” quipped another (u/lookattheflowers). A third excited commenter (u/hot_memory_stove) wrote, “Right, I would have yelled if this were me, what a fun surprise!” 

Some people wanted to purchase a similar mirror and scanned the pictures for any labels or hallmarks. “Google Lens isn't coming up with any exact matches!” said u/yummylicorice. Someone else (u/stationartistic1052) shared a similar find. “I bought a star-shaped Christmas tree topper like this that changes color from purple to blue to green and red.” “My daughter would be jealous! Hell, I'm jealous! What a lovely find!” remarked u/gust_2012, “Thrift store score of a lifetime. Good job grabbing that!” lauded u/anythinggaustin.

Thrifting expert Marc Mezzaca, founder of CouponFollow, noted how the perception around thrifting has evolved over the years. In a study of thrift shoppers by the company, it was found that the primary reason for the shopping practice is to cut down on costs and save more. Secondly, it is to find unique finds and for the thrill of it all. "Social media and increased eco-consciousness have been huge linchpins in the growing popularity of thrifting," Mezzaca told USA Today. New York City ranked as the best city for thrifting, followed by Newark, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, California. Besides the stated factors, it is also a means of sustainable fashion, wherein shoppers often grab lucky deals on premium items. Gen Zers particularly abide by this shopping tactic for better personal expression and promote ethical consumerism.