Buying and selling secondhand goods has entered the retail mainstream in the US., driven by affordability, sustainability, and shifting cultural attitudes.
According to OfferUp’s 2025 Recommerce Report, 93% of Americans purchased a pre-owned item in the past year, while 54% sold one.
The recommerce market is expected to grow 34% by 2030, reaching $306.5 billion and accounting for roughly 8% of all retail spending.
Though apparel often dominates the conversation around resale, clothing represents just a quarter of the market. OfferUp noted that the multi-category US recommerce sector already exceeds $200 billion annually.
The stigma that once surrounded thrift shopping continues to fade, with 70% of respondents saying perceptions improved over the past year. Drivers include sustainability concerns (56%), the social aspect of sharing secondhand finds (53%), and the convenience of resale platforms (49%).
Affordability remains the biggest factor: 79% of Americans shop resale to save money. But more than half (54%) also seek unique, one-of-a-kind items, and 34% buy secondhand to access premium brands at lower prices.
Gen Z is emerging as the most active resale generation. Nearly half (49%) sold a pre-owned item for the first time in the last year, and 54% said they choose secondhand most of the time when options are available — compared to 44% of millennials.
One-third (33%) of Gen Z sellers reported earning between $301 and $500 from resale, making it a meaningful income stream.
Despite their digital fluency, many Gen Z shoppers still prefer the local dimension of resale. Nearly 60% enjoy in-person exchanges, while 75% say meeting buyers or sellers face to face enhances the experience.
Two-thirds of shoppers overall (62%) prefer to buy and sell within their communities, citing better deals and the ability to support local economies.
The survey also found that 57% of sellers use proceeds from resale to cover bills and expenses, while 38% spend on personal or family treats, and 28% save for the future.
Economic uncertainty is another factor: 69% of Americans said they turn more to resale when financial news looks bleak.
OfferUp commissioned the research with Pollfish, surveying 1,500 US adults in June 2025 to better understand secondhand shopping and selling habits.
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