Thrifting is no longer a niche activity, with nearly having engaged with a thrift store through shopping or donating.
: Buying secondhand instead of new reduces carbon emissions by approximately 25% per item. 3. Consumer Profile shop thrift buy
The industry is split into two primary sectors: (44.3% of the market) and Resale (55.7%), which includes more curated, often online, assortments. Thrifting is no longer a niche activity, with
As of 2026, the U.S. secondhand market is estimated to be worth , reflecting an 8.2% increase from the previous year. Driven by economic inflation and environmental awareness, thrifting has shifted from a budget-conscious necessity to a mainstream "trendy" default for younger generations. 2. Market Dynamics & Growth Consumer Profile The industry is split into two
: Consumers save an average of $1,452 to $1,700 per year by choosing secondhand over new items.
The following report summarizes the 2026 status and best practices for the "Shop, Thrift, Buy" cycle, covering market trends, consumer behavior, and reselling strategies.
: Online resale is the fastest-growing channel, projected to expand at a 13% annual rate through 2029.