With more than 3 million online searches for thrift and secondhand stores per month, the U.S. leads the global resale market, new research finds.
The U.S. leads the world in secondhand thrift culture, with the highest score in a recent study conducted by the firm Public Desire. According to the findings, there are 3.1 million online searches for secondhand, vintage, or thrift shops in the U.S. per month — a resale market valued at $39 billion, and nearly 30,000 thrift stores. Moreover, 93 percent of the population participates in online secondhand shopping, underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustainable fashion practices.
According to Public Desire, the rise of secondhand shopping is a testament to a global shift toward sustainable consumerism. “As shown in this study, countries like the U.S., the U.K., and Japan are leading the way with impressive numbers in both market size and public participation,” a spokesperson said. “This growing trend not only reflects a conscious effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability but also highlights the economic benefits of a thriving resale market.”
Following the U.S., the U.K. has a vibrant thrift market worth $3.3 billion, supported by 4,082 thrift stores. The U.K. also has the highest annual growth rate of thrift shops at 27.2 percent, with 70 percent of the population engaged in second-hand purchases. Sweden ranks third with a secondhand market valued at $8.81 billion. Seventy-five percent of Swedes have purchased secondhand items at least once, and the country maintains an annual growth rate of 2.04 percent, reflecting a robust culture of thrift shopping.
Also on the list, the Netherlands has more than 4,000 thrift stores and a resale market valued at $622 million, with 73 percent of the population involved in secondhand shopping. Japan, ranking fifth, stands out with the highest number of thrift stores — more than ten times the stores in the U.S. at 483,000. The country’s resale market is valued at $18 billion. Despite only 30 percent of the population participating in secondhand shopping, Japan’s extensive network of stores indicates a significant culture of thrift.
Other notable markets include Germany, which has 11,600 thrift stores and a market worth $3.1 million; Canada’s secondhand market valued at $2.6 billion with 2,823 thrift stores; 84 percent of Denmark’s population participates in secondhand shopping; at 85 percent, Austria boasts the highest percentage of the population engaged in its 1,000 thrift shops; Belgium’s commitment is evident through its market size of $500 million, supported by more than 2,263 thrift stores, with nearly half of the population engaged in secondhand clothing purchases; and Norway, with just 354 thrift stores has a secondhand market worth $95 million supported by 43 percent of the population.
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