Millennials are turning to thrifting in record numbers due to rising inflation and tariffs threatening to increase prices for clothing and household items. According to Kelsey Meyers, a 38-year-old mother of four from Minnesota, the shift began after the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger generations opting for affordable, second-hand options.
A recent poll by Babylist found that 67% of expecting parents plan to buy or receive second-hand items as their primary strategy for saving money. Meanwhile, ThredUp’s resale report revealed an all-time high of 58% of consumers shopping second-hand last year, with nearly half saying they look to thrift first when purchasing clothes.
Experts attribute the trend to millennials’ focus on value and sustainability. “Secondhand prices are going to be much more compelling in relative terms,” said ThredUp’s Rotem. The company also noted that shoppers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their consumer habits.
As a result, retailers like Goodwill and local community thrift stores have seen an uptick in demand. Meyers, who shops at Savers and The Salvation Army for her kids’ clothes, believes that thrifting offers parents and kids access to high-quality items at affordable prices.
For first-time thrifters, Meyers recommends shopping in person, keeping a running list of desired items, buying a size up for children’s more expensive gear, and donating nice quality items to stores. By doing so, they can find better deals and feel good about giving back to the community.
As inflation and tariffs continue to impact consumers’ wallets, thrifting is becoming an increasingly popular option. With its focus on affordability, sustainability, and quality, it’s no wonder that millennials are turning to second-hand shopping for their clothing and household needs.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/04/18/thrifting-popularity-grows-inflation-tariffs/83043404007