
Retail Retold · 2026-06-17 · 35 min
Just how niche is the secondhand retail market? Secondhand retail is one of the fastest-growing forces in retail, with the market expected to approach $80 billion by 2030. According to America's Thrift CEO Chris Homewood, that scale would make the category larger than the GDP of more than 130 countries. But the story is bigger than growth. As consumers spend more of their lives in digital environments, they are increasingly seeking experiences that feel tangible, personal, and unexpected. Thrift shopping delivers exactly that. Unlike traditional e-commerce, where shoppers search for a specific item, secondhand retail is built around discovery. The thrill comes from finding something you weren't looking for, a premium jacket for $9, a collectible hidden in plain sight, or a one-of-a-kind piece that turns a routine shopping trip into a treasure hunt. That experience is resonating with a new generation of shoppers. More than 60% of Gen Z consumers now shop secondhand, driven by a combination of value, sustainability, and a desire for experiences that feel authentic.