Thrift & Secondhand Stores Near You in San Jose, CA 95118 (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a thrift store and a second hand store? ›

A consignment or thrift shop can also be called a resale shop, but only a store that actually consigns their inventory can be called a consignment store, and only a store run by a not-for-profit organization is considered a thrift store.

Hesitate to Bargain

Thrift store prices are low, but that doesn't mean they can't go lower. If you think something is priced too high for what is, ask if they're willing to take less for it. Just be polite in doing so and don't be discouraged if they're not open to bargaining.

Used clothes appeal to consumers on a budget, and low-income individuals and families often turn to thrift stores and online resale platforms to meet their clothing needs affordably.

You might not make as much as you would selling the items on your own because consignment stores typically split the profit 50/50. But it can be safer than selling through the classifieds or Craigslist (strangers won't be coming to your house).

Thrifting benefits not only the environment but also consumers. Here are ways you can benefit by participating in thrifting. Save money: You can save money by purchasing secondhand clothing. Thrift stores often have much lower prices than buying new items.

While there's no “perfect” day to shop second hand stores, many regulars swear by shopping early on Monday and Tuesday. Homeowners tend to drop off garage sale leftovers on Sunday nights, making for new finds. Plus, the weekends are more crowded shopping days, so employees look to restock early in the week.

Clothing. Clothing is an item that sells best in thrift stores. Accounting for 31.8 percent of industry revenue, clothing is the largest revenue generator in the Thrift Stores industry, according to IBISWorld. Instead of paying higher retail prices, many people are switching to thrift stores for their clothing needs.

Others do accept credit/debit cards. If you're planning to visit only one store, $30 ought to be enough if you're only going to buy a few things, and those few things cost less than $10 on average. However if you're going on what I call a 'thrift run,' i.e. visiting a number of stores, I'd bring at least $100.

Wealthier people have begun to frequent thrift stores, shopping for the same items as low-income people who were the original customers of the secondhand shops. In addition to wearing the clothes themselves, many thrifters in recent years have also started reselling the clothing on websites like Depop at a higher rate.

Why is thrift shopping so expensive? ›

1. Increased popularity: Thrift store shopping (thrifting) has gained popularity in recent years greatly due to social media, content creation, environmental concerns, and a desire for unique or vintage items. This increased demand has driven prices up as thrift stores capitalize on the trend.

Gen Z values the concept of reducing waste and promoting a circular economy, making thrifting a perfect match for their lifestyle.

Also known as a secondhand store or charity shop, thrift shops can sell anything from vintage clothing to unique antiques. Opening a thrift store is a great business opportunity, particularly if you don't have much money to get started.

The terminology had changed too: Once considered “junk shops,” the word “thrift” reflected a marketing appeal that allowed middle-class housewives to “feel virtuous about buying something new because they can give something back,” Le Zotte says.

1. Increased popularity: Thrift store shopping (thrifting) has gained popularity in recent years greatly due to social media, content creation, environmental concerns, and a desire for unique or vintage items. This increased demand has driven prices up as thrift stores capitalize on the trend.