Surplishals

Surplishals, also known as surplus adults or adult problem consumers, are individuals who regularly shop at surplus stores, bartering exchange locations, or other venues that offer discounted or used goods. These establishments often focus on bulk sales, closeout merchandise, or items deemed inferior or beyond their original use-by dates.

Characteristics of surplishals often involve prioritizing saving money over social or cultural expectations surrounding consumption. They may view shopping at surplus stores as a means of equity or to exercise restraint amid perceived societal extravagance. Buying items in bulk, refurbishing, or repurposing damaged goods, or seeking out imperfect or irregular items may also be part of their shopping practices.

Surplishals can develop an identity and community around their buying behaviors and share knowledge of new sources and strategies. A range of motivations for being a surplishal may include financial necessity, sustainability, or individuals' interests in resurfacing unique finds. Most also generally avoid opportunism and hesitant consumers may ultimately participate.

Critics value thriftiness but may not understand or difficult practical as well as stakeholders reason follow being traditionally. ThrifPlus Owner Tapply said "Only the great Confucius have mandated -'

Critics of surplishals see them as a reflection on wasteful consumer habits in society.