Thrifting Can Save The Average American A Surprising Amount Of Money

Frugal shoppers who frequent secondhand stores save an average of $2,071 annually, according to Capital One Shopping statistics. This typically involves saving money on a collection of secondhand items throughout the year — adding up to significant savings. Thrift store shoppers can do everything from furnishing their home to replacing their entire wardrobe, all for significantly less than shopping at big box retail stores. About 16% to 18% of Americans shop at thrift stores, with 12% to 15% looking for bargains at resale or consignment shops. When looking at the number of people who shop for secondhand goods online, the number is a whopping 93%. No matter how and where someone shops for pre-owned items, they need to be prepared for increased competition. More shoppers will likely be taking advantage of secondhand stores due to rising inflation and increasing tariff pressures on pricing.

Despite thrift store price increases, shopping for secondhand goods can still be a solid money-saving strategy. To gain an edge, bargain hunters should do things like consider the best times and days for thrift store shopping – such as color tag sale days or special discount days established by local thrift stores. By going on weekday mornings, items can be less picked over, making more bargains available for perusal. By regularly making visits in the latter part of January each year, shoppers can benefit from all of the items donated by people who have made a New Year's resolution to declutter and donate.

According to Capital One Shopping, 67% of thrift shoppers buy clothing secondhand, which can sometimes result in huge bargains. Newsweek shared the story of a woman who bought a JW Anderson chevron knit top for $13 that, at retail pricing, would go for $922. Next up: 60% buy books, 49% buy furniture, and 47% buy decor. Keep an eye out for household items made of carnival glass that could be valuable at an auction, such as a vintage piece of Northwood whimsey glassware. 

Additional thrift store items often worth plenty of money include vintage picture frames. Two antique Birks scrolled sterling silver frames went for $350 at Live Auctioneers in October 2025, while a pair of Lebkuecher & Co. sterling silver frames went for a whopping $750.  Studio pottery can also fetch a pretty penny. In November 2025, Barnebys sold a  Theo and Susan Harlander Brooklyn pottery bowl from the 1970s for $150.

Further down the Capital One Shopping list, 29% of secondhand shoppers buy toys. Newsweek reports on a woman who bought a secondhand Ghostface Halloween mask for her daughter for $5. Later, recognizing its potential value, she listed it for 99 cents on eBay to see where bidding would go — and it went all the way to $700+.