As prices rise, more people are expected to shop secondhand

Clothes in the US may get more expensive because of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, as the country imports most of its apparel. Over 50% of clothing comes from China, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

A 2024 report from OfferUp says 35% of people tried resale shopping for the first time last year, which is an 8% increase from 2023. Around 53% of the respondents said they shopped resale to save money, and 58% said they did because the cost of living increased.

Experts say the re-commerce market grows during hard times. They project a 55% growth by 2029, reaching $291.6 billion.

In the 2008 recession, US resale stores saw a 31% jump in sales, according to a 2009 National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops survey.

OfferUp says people turn to thrift stores when new items cost too much or are hard to afford.