A recent survey reveals a growing trend of Americans shopping secondhand to combat the rising cost of goods due to increased tariffs. The text explores the reasons behind this shift, the projected growth of the recommerce market, and expert advice on navigating the secondhand shopping landscape.
A recent consumer survey revealed that 86% of Americans anticipate price increases due to higher tariffs, with 46% planning to shop secondhand to mitigate the financial impact. Thrift shopping has witnessed a surge in popularity among consumers in recent years, and this trend shows no signs of abating.
The survey, conducted by Bid-on-Equipment in January, found that among the top strategies respondents intend to adopt to cope with the impact of tariffs, 46% plan to purchase from thrift or secondhand stores. Other cost-saving measures include comparing prices and reducing the purchase of imported goods. A separate survey by shopping app Smarty indicated that 50% of respondents stated they are more likely to consider secondhand goods or local alternatives in light of tariffs. Vipin Porwal, Smarty's founder, commented, 'Initially there's quite a bit of uncertainty, and we expect that to grow as the timetable for these tariffs starts to become people's reality. Savvy consumers will look to ramp up savings and rewards opportunities any way they can.'ThredUp, an online consignment and thrift store, released a report reflecting similar findings: over half, 55%, of surveyed consumers indicated that if the economy doesn't improve, they will allocate a larger portion of their apparel budget to secondhand items. James Reinhart, CEO of ThredUp, stated, 'You can see this only amplifying in a world with tariffs and inflation.' The report, based on research by GlobalData and a December 2023 survey of over 3,600 adults, found that for 60% of respondents, thrifted clothes offer the best value for their money. Shawn Grain Carter, an associate professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, pointed out, 'The tariffs are a tax on the consumer.' Popular brands like Shein and Temu, imported from China, could face an immediate impact, and are likely to pass these extra costs onto customers in the form of higher prices. Recent changes to the de minimis rule, which previously allowed many e-commerce companies to ship goods worth less than $800 into the U.S. duty-free, are expected to significantly affect this trend. 'This is a major change,' said Ann Cantrell, associate professor of fashion business management at FIT, regarding the new rule. The shift towards secondhand shopping is not a recent phenomenon. In 2023, 85% of respondents cited 'saving money' as the primary reason for shopping at thrift stores, driven by a desire for value and more sustainable consumption practices.Over the next five years, the recommerce market is projected to grow by 55% by 2029, reaching $291.6 billion and outpacing the overall retail market. While the industry was initially dominated by clothing resale, 76% of recommerce transactions now involve non-clothing items like electronics, furniture, home goods, sports equipment, and car parts, according to OfferUp. However, secondhand shopping may not completely replace the convenience that consumers have become accustomed to, according to Steven Conners, founder and president of Conners Wealth Management in Scottsdale, Arizona. 'We are in a convenience economy, we are programmed by the likes of Amazon,' Conners stated. 'I would be reluctant to say secondhand items are going to be all the rage six months from now.' Regardless of whether you are browsing online for a secondhand item or visiting a brick-and-mortar thrift store, experts emphasize prioritizing the quality and construction of the products. Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings expert, recommends utilizing local listing sites such as Facebook Marketplace and NextDoor to find deals on large household items and sporting goods. However, she cautions against purchasing large household appliances directly from individuals, as they may not function properly. 'Your best bet with these items is to look for certified refurbished models from reputable retailers like Amazon Renewed or open-box items or floor models from established stores,' Woroch advises. When it comes to clothing, there are numerous stores and websites specializing in secondhand apparel and accessories. While the savings may not be substantial, Woroch notes that sometimes the prices for gently used clothing are comparable to those found on sale for new items at the end of the season from regular retailers or discount shopping stores such as Nordstrom Rack, Ross, and TJMaxx. Nevertheless, FIT's Grain Carter suggests that there may still be a 'better value proposition' through secondhand and resale stores. However, 'to get the best value for your money,' consider the four C's, Grain Carter advises: cut, construction, craftsmanship, and condition. For example, examine the fibers and materials used in the garment: cotton, silk, linen, flax, and wool are natural fibers that will endure longer. Engineered or 'man-made' fibers like spandex will decompose and have a 'shorter shelf life,' according to Grain Carter
Tariffs Secondhand Shopping Recommerce Consumer Trends Savings Thrift Stores
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thrifted Treasures: 5 Remarkable Finds That Prove Secondhand Shopping is Worth ItFrom vintage Chanel earrings to a brand-new Le Creuset casserole dish, these secondhand scores highlight the thrill and potential savings of thrifting.
Read more »
Wine sales drying up as Americans turn elsewhereU.S. wine sales continued a multiyear decline in 2024, which experts attribute to shifting demographics, health concerns, new competition and economic forces.
Read more »
Arab Americans for Trump Rebrands as Arab Americans for Peace After Gaza CommentsFollowing President Trump's statements about potentially taking control of the Gaza Strip, a group previously known as Arab Americans for Trump has rebranded itself as Arab Americans for Peace. The group, which played a role in Trump's 2024 campaign success, particularly in Michigan, expressed opposition to the president's proposal, emphasizing their commitment to peace in the region.
Read more »
Secondhand Cannabis Smoke Linked to Higher Risk for ChildrenA new study has revealed a concerning link between secondhand cannabis smoke exposure and the risk of harmful health effects in children. The research, conducted in San Diego County, found that children living in homes where cannabis was smoked indoors were five times more likely to have detectable cannabis biomarkers in their urine compared to children in homes without reported in-home cannabis smoking.
Read more »
CU Boulder opens storefront selling surplus, secondhand itemsThe University of Colorado Boulder opened a storefront on Monday to sell secondhand, discounted items to the general public.
Read more »
Secondhand Clothing Finds New Life in Global MarketThis article explores the global trade of secondhand clothing, highlighting the efforts to extend the life cycle of garments and reduce textile waste. It features the story of Whitehouse & Schapiro, a family business that has been sorting and reselling used clothing for over a century.
Read more »