With Trump’s tariffs about to wreak havoc on the US economy, more Americans are afraid of rising costs due to fees and inflation. As Americans fear a recession, many are changing their shopping habits to adapt.
A recent report from a StorageUnits.com survey administered online by polling company Pollfish on April 24, 2025, explored how Americans’ shopping habits are changing due to fears over inflation. The survey included responses from 2,000 U.S. residents.
Many people are turning towards secondhand shopping as Temu and Shein are no longer places where Americans can buy cheap items. 78% of Americans plan to shop secondhand in 2025, with half saying they’ll do so more than they have in the past.
Of secondhand shoppers, 76% say they shop at thrift stores. Yard or garage sales are also common, used by 50%, followed by Facebook Marketplace (47%), and eBay (41%). Local consignment shops attract 38% of secondhand shoppers, while 26% turn to online thrift stores like ThredUp or The RealReal. Craigslist (18%) and OfferUp (12%) are less commonly used platforms.
Thrift Shopping Tips
If you are one of those people who are turning to thrift stores to save money, then here are some tips to help you get the most out of your shopping experience.
1. Set a Budget Before You Shop
Let’s be honest; while thrift shopping is a great way to save money, it is easy to go over your budget.
When you get to a thrift store, you will most likely bump into great, unique items you will fancy. With no set budget, you will likely bring more than you should at home.
Have a set budget, and stick to it.
2. Go to Rich Neighborhoods
When shopping in thrift stores in affluent neighborhoods, you are more likely to find designer brand items at highly reduced prices. Rich people donate and sell their stuff to thrift stores near them, and they usually have nicer and higher-quality items. You can often find gently used designer items for a fraction of the cost at these stores.
3. Shop on Sale Days
Many thrift stores already sell their products at significantly reduced prices. However, to save even more, you’ll want to see if they have sale days. On sale days, be sure to arrive early. Things move fast in thrift stores, so arriving early gives you a better shot at getting higher-quality and unique items.
4. Look It Over
Thrifted items have been used, so it is not uncommon to find some that are not in good condition. You want to avoid picking items that are damaged or have been overused.
The only time you should consider it is when the damage can be overlooked or easily fixed. For instance, a blouse with a missing button is easy to fix. A designer leather handbag with a small, unnoticeable scratch can still be a great steal.
However, you should watch out for tears, stains, and other damages that cannot be fixed quickly or ignored.
5. Look For Unique Vintage Pieces
One of the advantages of thrift shopping is that you can find vintage pieces. Whether you are a collector, just a lover of vintage, or a reseller, you want to allocate enough time to run through every aisle in the thrift stores. You never know what hidden gem is waiting for you in the next aisle or the heap of products that are yet to be organized.
6. Don’t Forget About Accessories and Shoes
Accessories are a great way to complement your outfit and make you stand out. Thrift stores can help you get unique accessories that would have otherwise cost you a lot more in other stores.
The same applies to shoes. Finding new, good-quality shoes can mean spending a lot of money.
7. Check The Top and Bottom Shelves
Thrift stores, especially the good ones, may have been picked over by other shoppers. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great stuff. Make sure to look at the very bottom and top shelves. They often have items that other shoppers may have missed.
8. Be Creative
That floral grandma dress can be transformed into a cute sundress. The blue oversized jeans in the men’s section can be converted into cute boyfriend jeans or shorts. The oversized vintage dress can be altered to create a cute two-piece. The vintage blankets can create superb hoodies.
Alterations and DIY projects are worth considering, especially if you love an item’s fabric more than its style.
9. Follow Thrift Stores on Social Media
Thrift stores often use social media pages to announce sales, in-store auctions, discount codes, stock clearance, and the arrival of new stock. If you are an avid thrift shopper, you want to know this information.
Show up early to get the best deals on such days.
10. Visit Thrift Stores in College Towns
Thrift stores in college towns are among the best places to find great deals.
College towns have a huge turnover of people, meaning thrift stores in these areas tend to receive a constant influx of donated items, creating a dynamic inventory with a wide range of unique finds.
Also, if you are looking to shop for trendy items, your best bet is thrift stores in college neighborhoods. College students often donate or sell items still in style, making it easier to find fashionable clothing, accessories, and furniture.
11. Ask About Loyalty or Rewards Programs
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of thrift shopping. When checking out, ask your cashier about loyalty and reward programs. They can help maximize your savings and enhance your treasure-hunting experience.
By signing up for these loyalty programs, you can access exclusive offers, special sale events, and early access to newly arrived items.
12. Stay Patient and Persistent
Thrift shopping requires patience and persistence. Finding something you want to bring home can take an hour. Take your time, slowly going through the aisles and the disorganized heaps of items.
More importantly, be ready to walk out empty-handed when you cannot find something you like. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t strike gold on your first trip. Consistency pays off in thrift shopping, so keep exploring and hunting for those budget-friendly gems.
Have a list of what you want and persistently visit different thrift stores to find what you are looking for.
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