How Holiday Thrift Shopping Helps Resale Shops Grow

The number of customers (and dollars) interacting at thrift store point of sale counters continues to increase. According to ThredUP, the U.S. resale market, valued at $49 billion in 2024, will grow to $74 billion by 2029. And as more consumers embrace thrift shopping, the number who have made holiday thrift shopping a tradition has also grown. These shoppers replace contending with crowds in malls and big box stores on Black Friday and scrambling to find Cyber Monday deals online with a fun, less stressful trip to a local thrift store. 

The potential to grow your business during the holidays is exciting, but making it happen takes work and a new approach to thrift store management. The increase in holiday thrift shopping traffic shouldn’t take you by surprise. Be ready to make the most of this opportunity to build your business.

Why Are Consumers Shopping at Thrift Stores This Holiday Season?

You may be wondering why you’ll see more people shopping at your thrift store this holiday season. Considering the economy, concern for the environment, and the desire for unique gifts can help you understand today’s customers better.

The Impact of the Economy on Thrift Shopping

Consumers are planning to spend less on holiday shopping in 2025. PwC predicts a 5% drop in holiday purchases and an 11% drop in gift spending. Some shoppers will stretch their holiday budgets by looking for bargains at thrift stores. Your thrift store may be just the place to help them find low-cost items to give as gifts at low prices.

Why Sustainability Is Inspiring Thrift Shopping

Nielsen IQ reports that 78% of consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. While they may find some products made in environmentally friendly ways or that use sustainable packaging, everything in a thrift store is already part of the “circular economy.” Instead of throwing items away, your donors brought them to your store for reuse. And your customers know they can find gently used toys and clothes, which may make the perfect holiday gifts.

Consumers Are on the Hunt for Unique Gifts

Some people are nearly impossible to buy for, a fact that can create stress during the holidays. However, frustrated gift-givers may find solutions by thrift shopping. Older relatives may enjoy their favorite old chart-topping songs on vinyl, or a shopper could delight a friend by finding a discontinued collectible. Tableware or home goods from your store could help a shopper give a unique hostess gift. Your thrift store, with its selection of one-of-a-kind items, gives holiday shoppers the opportunity to give meaningful, distinctive gifts.

How Thrift Stores Increase Revenues During the Holiday Season

To make the most of opportunities to grow your business during the holidays, consider adapting your thrift store management strategy to include these ideas:

• Advertise. Advertising can increase store traffic, but it doesn’t have to mean a big investment. You can include flyers in packages to keep customers informed of holiday promotions. You can also use social media to get the word out or publish a video that shows shoppers some of the items they can find in your store. Remember to advertise early. There will be a lot of competition for your customers’ business from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. 
• Communicate. Your thrift store management timeline shouldn’t be a secret. Let customers know when you accept donations and put out new items. Publishing the time when new items appear on the sales floor can create urgency to get to your store in time to browse the biggest selection. 
• Build. Hold a special holiday promotion for donors, giving them store credit or discounts. A promotion can help you encourage more people to be a part of your donor community and build long-term business growth. 
• Decorate.  Creativity can help you get the most return from holiday-related donations. Use them as décor to create a fun holiday atmosphere and then sell them when they catch a shopper’s eye. A “White Elephant” or “Ugly Sweater” display can help people find bargains that will help them enjoy these holiday traditions. 
• Inspect. Have your team carefully look at donations and flag imperfections so shoppers can make informed decisions. Don’t automatically discard damaged items. Consider whether a crafter, woodworker, or seamstress could turn those items into new creations. During inspections, double-check to make sure items aren’t listed in a recall, particularly toys, baby furniture, and small appliances. 
• Clean. Remind your team that shoppers are more likely to purchase toys, collectibles, or other gift items if they’re in the best possible condition. You will also see inventory move faster.
• Analyze. Use data from your last few holiday seasons to understand how much traffic changes during the season and what consumers buy to help you make smart decisions to get ready for this year.

How Can a Thrift Store Make Sure Its POS Software Is Ready for Holiday Traffic?

To perfect thrift store management, you need a point of sale (POS) system that helps you keep up with traffic during holiday thrift shopping. Your thrift store POS software should help you:

• Check shoppers out fast and keep lines short.  
• Schedule the right amount of staff to keep your store running.
• Get items on the floor and promote slow-moving items  with Inventory management features
• Give loyal customers coupons for discounts based on spending or store visits. 
• Pull reports on your business whenever you need them.

Thrift Stores: Finish the Holiday Season Strong!

Competing for holiday dollars takes effort, no matter what type of store you’re running. But thrift stores need to build sales and support from donors in your community. Holiday thrift shopping can help shoppers give sustainable, unique gifts while helping them stay within their budgets. Make changes to your thrift store management strategy so you can seize the opportunity to meet those needs while building your business.

To learn more about thrift store POS software that will help you make it happen, contact us!