Used Merchandise Stores Industry Profile

Companies in this industry sell used merchandise such as clothing, antiques, furniture, books, and jewelry. Major companies include Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Savers, and Winmark (all based in the US), Bookoff (Japan), and Oxfam (UK).

The secondhand and resale market is forecast to reach about $367 billion by 2029, according to the annual forecast from ThredUp.

The used merchandise stores industry in the US includes about 20,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $15 billion.

The industry includes resale shops, consignment shops, thrift shops, and antique stores. Excluded are stores that sell used cars, boats, trailers, and mobile homes. Pawn shops, which sell a variety of used merchandise but generate most of their revenue from interest and fees on loans, are discussed in this profile but not included in store count, revenue, or employment statistics.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Changes in consumer buying habits and an influx of new competitors and investor money are enlarging and reshaping the market for used apparel. The US secondhand apparel market grew five times faster than the broader retail clothing market in 2024, according to ThredUp.

Demographics, consumer income, and consumer tastes drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient procurement and effective merchandising. Large companies have advantages in marketing and finance. Small companies can compete effectively by offering specialty products, serving a local market, or providing superior customer service. The US industry is fragmented: the ...