Americans turn to thrift stores as inflation hits clothing prices

More Americans are turning to thrift stores and secondhand retailers as inflation pushes clothing prices higher, with consumers searching for bargains and alternatives to fast fashion. The shift has drawn the attention of federal economists, who recently began tracking used apparel in the Consumer Price Index.

In April, the annual inflation rate rose 3.8%, the fastest pace in three years, and prices for new clothing have climbed over the past year.

Rachel Michelin, president of the California Retailers Association, told NewsNation that generational preferences are helping drive the shift toward thrift shopping.

“I know my two daughters are younger adults, and thrifting has always been a big thing for younger people, especially in college,” she said. “So I think they’ve always been doing it.”

Michelin said affordability has become a major concern for younger consumers.

“A lot of websites make it easy to do that. I know a lot of the stores with furniture have made it very accessible,” Michelin said. “And I think people are looking for those deals. People across the U.S. always look for a discount. And there’s a lot more opportunity now than there used to be.”

Virginia Chamlee, author of “Big Thrift Energy,” said sustainability is also pulling younger shoppers toward secondhand stores.

“That’s something that younger generations really want and are seeking now,” she said. “I also think there’s a uniqueness to thrifting. You can find pieces made by artists and pieces that are vintage that you can’t find anymore because they’re no longer produced.”

Chamlee said retailers incorporating resale and reuse into their business models are adapting to changing consumer preferences.

According to a recent ThredUp report, the U.S. secondhand apparel market is expected to surpass $78 billion by 2030.