Americans flocked to thrift stores in 2025 to combat rising prices and shop sustainably.
Companies are beginning to announce their 2025 revenue totals, and one trend is quickly emerging: the secondhand market continues to win. The US secondhand market saw 14.3% growth in 2025, bringing the total market value to an estimated $56 million.
Goodwill recently announced that they generated a record-breaking $7 billion in 2025, an increase of 7% from the previous year. But they aren’t alone. Sales at other retailers like ThredUp and Savers Value Village are estimated to reach 18% and 9.2% growth year-over-year, respectively.
More Sustainable, More Cost-Efficient
Some of this growth can be attributed to customers looking for more affordable options during economic uncertainty. But more and more shoppers, especially Millennials and Gen Zers, prefer shopping secondhand for unique fashions that are both cost-conscious and sustainable.
The secondhand market’s steady growth over time indicates a consumer behavioral shift in which shoppers are more deliberate with their purchases. Michelle Meyer, chief economist of the Mastercard Economics Institute, said: “Secondhand stores are benefiting from many of the same forces we’re seeing across the broader economy. Consumers are becoming far more value-conscious.” Experts expect the global secondhand apparel market to grow to $367 billion by 2029.
With inflation squeezing household budgets, thrifting has allowed buyers to maximize their money. Resale markets are also uniquely positioned to avoid tariff-driven cost increases. Most of their inventory is donated from local sources instead of produced in factories abroad.
Fight Pollution with Your Purchases
Choosing to thrift also helps to combat pollution. The fashion industry is responsible for producing 10% of total global carbon emissions (the emissions of the entire European Union!). Social media and rotating fashion trends gave rise to the fast fashion industry, in which “knock-off” garments are created cheaply and quickly to meet rising demands. Approximately 92 million tons of textile waste is dumped each year.
So Much More Than Apparel
From books to furniture to decor and more, there’s something for everyone at your local thrift store! One of our favorite online book resellers is BetterWorldBooks. They have donated over 38 million books and have resold or recycled over 475 million books.
Search up reputable online resellers, or visit your local thrift store today. You never know what one-of-a-kind treasures you may find!
Save Money and Take the Next Step to a Sustainable Life
So, if you’re interested in shrinking your spending and your carbon footprint, consider using your hard-earned money to support secondhand markets. There’s nothing better than giving a second life to a high-quality item at a fraction of retail prices!
Read More:
Written by Kristina Shane
Lead Content Manager and Editor
“I’ve always had a strong inclination to protect and nurture the people and living things around me. Especially after having kids, I became passionate about conserving our planet for future generations. It’s my duty to teach my children, through words and actions, how to be good citizens and thoughtful stewards for our planet. Joining One Planet Life felt like a natural next-step for me, and I’m thrilled to support their mission and strengthen my own sustainability efforts.”
