Turning Tariffs into Opportunity

As global trade policies strain traditional retail channels, secondhand sellers are meeting consumer demand with resourceful business models and high ROI resale strategies.

How Are Tariffs Changing Consumer Behavior?

Tariffs once sounded like a distant, geopolitical buzzword. But in today’s economy, the effects are palpable. From shipping delays to rising retail costs, U.S. tariffs on imports from China have contributed to price increases that ripple down to everyday consumers.

According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, tariffs implemented between 2018 and 2020 are costing the average American household $1,277 annually through higher consumer prices.

In response, more shoppers are turning to secondhand markets for relief. The resale economy—already on the rise due to sustainability trends—is now being reinforced by budget-conscious consumer behavior shaped by trade policy.

Why Is the Secondhand Market Growing So Fast?

The global secondhand apparel market is projected to more than double by 2027, reaching $350 billion, according to thredUP's 2023 Resale Report. With tariffs tightening margins for traditional retailers, resale businesses are increasingly seen not just as niche hobby ventures, but resilient and scalable models that can adapt faster to global supply shocks.

Platforms like Thrift Vintage Fashion and Depop are capitalizing on this shift by offering curated secondhand collections that resonate with younger buyers. According to a Statista survey, 42% of Gen Z consumers purchased secondhand clothing in 2023.

How Are Resale Businesses Adapting to Supply Chain Challenges?

While big-box retailers scramble to renegotiate supplier contracts, resale businesses enjoy an inventory model that sidesteps international supply chains entirely. Instead of navigating shipping routes and customs taxes, resellers source goods locally—through estate sales, donations, or consumer consignment.

As Harvard Business Review highlights, agility is key in an unpredictable trade environment. Secondhand sellers, especially those using data-driven inventory tools and AI-powered pricing algorithms, are becoming unexpected case studies in resilient entrepreneurship.

What Role Does Consumer Sentiment Play?

Amid inflation and tariffs, the public is embracing “thrifty” as a badge of honor rather than a stigma. According to Morning Consult, 71% of U.S. adults say inflation has changed how they shop—and 64% are open to buying used products to save money. Environmental awareness also plays a part: resale purchases displace 1 billion clothing items from landfills annually.

Even brands that once relied on fast fashion are adjusting. Zara and H&M have launched resale platforms to appeal to price-conscious consumers without abandoning brand loyalty.

Who’s Leading the Resale Resurgence?

Entrepreneurs like Thrift Vintage Fashion founder Jessica Johnson have turned trade disruptions into opportunity. By focusing on bulk vintage wholesale and cultivating relationships with thrift collectors and TikTok influencers, Johnson has built a niche empire. Her secret? Knowing that tariffs impact big box buyers, not her direct-to-consumer vintage hoodie hustle.

What Can Small Businesses Learn From This?

The resale business model offers a case study in adaptability. By rethinking inventory, embracing sustainability, and reacting faster to pricing shifts caused by tariffs, these businesses are staying profitable while remaining consumer-centric. If you’re in retail, e-commerce, or thinking about launching a business, now might be the time to learn from those who source smarter—not cheaper.