Trying to save money? How tariffs, inflation could help Arizona thrift stores
The Assistance League of Phoenix says it’s seen an increase in business in its thrift boutique since the COVID-19 pandemic.
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Between recent tariffs and ongoing inflation, it feels like the cost of just about everything has gone up in recent years.
However, experts think the resale market could actually benefit from the trade war as shoppers are looking to save and avoid an uptick in prices.
Shannon Erickson is the director of resale at the Assistance League of Phoenix thrift boutique at 7th Street and Glendale. Even before tariffs were implemented, Erickson had seen a spike in business since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think before there was a stigma against shopping resale, and now it is popular and fun,” she recently told Arizona’s Family.
Jeans in the resale shop cost about $16 or $18, whereas Erickson says they would be between $100 and $200 new. Everything in the shop has been donated, and they also sell items on eBay from top brands like Tommy Bahama, alice + olivia and more.
Erickson added that the resale store will soon be expanding to a nearby building because of demand. All of the proceeds will go back to help dress Valley kids in Title I schools.
St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix has also noticed more shoppers at its four thrift stores throughout the Valley. “This current season is typically slower, but there has been an increase in donations and shoppers coming in as well,” said Roneisha, the transportation manager.
According to recent research by Capital One, younger shoppers are helping to fuel the interest in secondhand shopping. Gen Z is expected to account for nearly two-thirds of the secondhand market growth in the next five years. And 64% of Gen Z search for an item secondhand before buying it new.
Alex Gutierrez, 21, was shopping at the Assistance League of Phoenix on a recent Friday, looking for an old camera. “I guess it’s just being able to find more original pieces or things that have been outdated and are coming back,” he said.
Erickson says she’s also noticed more teens and younger shoppers looking for something special. They’re shopping secondhand not to save money, but it’s also more earth-friendly.
Do you have a favorite thrift shop in Arizona? You can let reporter, Whitney Clark, know on Facebook:
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