US secondhand shopping spikes as Americans try to save money
Photo: thrift store in the US (Getty Images)
Residents of the United States are increasingly switching to second-hand clothing, and it is becoming a new standard for many of them. Young people have even turned thrift stores into a profitable business, according to The Independent.
A recent report from the Bank of America Institute shows that Americans are no longer just buying used goods — they are spending less money on each item.
Bank analysts studied credit and debit card data. The report states:
“The number of secondhand fashion transactions per household grew nine times faster than secondhand spending in March, yet consumers across all income groups are spending less on each purchase since April 2025.”
Previously, thrift shopping was just a social media trend. Videos of second-hand finds flooded TikTok. Now it has become a necessity, as people try to save their budgets.
Young people have turned thrift shopping into a profitable business. For them, it is not only about “ecology” but also about “money.” The share of young thrift store owners has reached 41%, compared to 37% last year.
The total number of Bank of America customers reselling items has increased by 16%. People are looking for any way to earn money. Old wardrobes have become a source of income, helping them survive in the face of rising living costs.
War and inflation: rising clothing prices
Retailers are suffering from tariffs, while consumers are suffering from empty wallets, the article notes.
Inflation has hit hard, surging sharply in March. The reason was rising energy prices due to the US and Israel war against Iran.
The consumer price index rose by 0.9% in March, while the overall cost of goods and services increased by 3.3% year-on-year.
Living paycheck to paycheck
Nearly a quarter of American families have no savings. They live paycheck to paycheck, according to data from November 2025. The number of people without a financial safety cushion in the US continues to grow.
Only 64% of Americans believe they will have enough money for retirement. Thrift stores have become for many people the only way to feel at least somewhat comfortable, The Independent concludes.
