The Challenge of Thrifting in 2025: How to STILL Score Big Today

If you’ve dipped your toes into thrifting lately, you know one thing for sure: it’s gotten way more competitive — and not just because the pandemic sparked a global surge in secondhand shopping. In 2025, thrifting has evolved into a high-stakes treasure hunt where vintage gems and everyday essentials fly off the shelves faster than ever.

So, what’s driving this shift, and how can you still snag those coveted finds without breaking the bank or losing your sanity?

Why Thrifting is Hotter (and Harder) Than Ever

1. The Resale Boom: Online resale platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and even Instagram shops have exploded, attracting younger buyers and turning thrift stores into gold mines for sellers.

2. Sustainability Is Trending: More people want to reduce waste and shop ethically, pushing thrifting beyond niche hobby status into mainstream lifestyle choice.

3. Thrift Store Flippers: Professional thrifters and small businesses scour stores daily, snapping up the best items to resell online at a profit, reducing local stock for regular shoppers.

Pro Tips to Out-Thrift the Competition

• Go Early or Go Late: Most stores restock overnight or mid-week. Ask employees about their schedule and plan your visits right after new stock hits the floor.

• Build Relationships: Be friendly and chat with staff. They might give you a heads-up about special merchandise coming to the floor.

• Master the Scan: In addition to using apps that let you scan barcodes or research brands on the spot to check resale value before you buy, honing your eye for relevant details related to a brand, era or manufacturing standard is critical. That comes with practice, of course.

• Think Beyond Clothes: Look for vintage kitchenware, books, and furniture, which are often overlooked but can hold serious value or style points.

• Don’t Sleep on Accessories: Hats, scarves, jewelry, and belts are small, portable, and easy to resell or refresh your look with minimal cost.

What’s Your Thrift Strategy?

Some swear by thrifting multiple stores weekly, others prefer online resale hunts. Are you all about that spontaneous treasure hunt or the methodical, strategic thrifter? What’s the best find you ever scored? How do you deal with the crowds or the flippers?