Just how niche is the secondhand retail market?

Secondhand retail is one of the fastest-growing forces in retail, with the market expected to approach $80 billion by 2030. According to America's Thrift CEO Chris Homewood, that scale would make the category larger than the GDP of more than 130 countries.

But the story is bigger than growth.

As consumers spend more of their lives in digital environments, they are increasingly seeking experiences that feel tangible, personal, and unexpected. Thrift shopping delivers exactly that. Unlike traditional e-commerce, where shoppers search for a specific item, secondhand retail is built around discovery. The thrill comes from finding something you weren't looking for, a premium jacket for $9, a collectible hidden in plain sight, or a one-of-a-kind piece that turns a routine shopping trip into a treasure hunt.

That experience is resonating with a new generation of shoppers. More than 60% of Gen Z consumers now shop secondhand, driven by a combination of value, sustainability, and a desire for experiences that feel authentic. The result is a customer base that spans income levels and demographics, proving that thrift has evolved far beyond its traditional roots.

For America's Thrift, the opportunity is clear. The company operates 35 stores across the Southeast and is pursuing disciplined expansion, opening approximately five stores annually while building a footprint that stretches northward. Supported by strong community partnerships and a business model centered on convenience, the company is positioning itself for long-term growth.

As retail continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: people still crave discovery. And in an increasingly digital world, the joy of finding something unexpected may be one of the most powerful drivers of all.

What You’ll Hear

Why the secondhand market is projected to approach $80 billion by 2030
The surprising reason Halloween is the biggest season in thrift retail
How thrift retailers source, process, and price millions of donated items
Why Gen Z is helping drive the growth of secondhand shopping
How America's Thrift is expanding through profitable store growth
What landlords and shopping center owners are seeing in the rise of thrift retail

Chapters

00:01 – Chris Homewood’s retail journey

From the Marine Corps to Circuit City, Target, Ross, private equity turnarounds, and now leading America’s Thrift.

04:08 – What is America’s Thrift Stores?

A look at the business model, footprint, mission, and charity partnerships.

05:57 – Who shops at thrift stores today?

Why thrifting now appeals to both value shoppers and younger consumers.

07:21 – How thrift retailers acquire inventory

The donation ecosystem that fuels the business.

08:22 – The operations behind inventory flow

Why convenience, processing speed, and execution matter more than buying.

10:49 – The power of fresh inventory

How nine-day inventory turns keep customers coming back.

13:21 – Resale, apparel, and the growth of secondhand

Understanding the size and trajectory of the market.

15:06 – Store size, pricing, and profitability

How America’s Thrift evaluates locations and prices merchandise.

16:44 – The growth strategy

Why the company is focused on disciplined expansion and profitable new stores.

23:37 – Why secondhand retail is accelerating

The consumer trends creating long-term momentum for thrift.

26:41 – How traditional retailers view thrift

Competition, co-tenancy, and traffic generation.

29:28 – E-commerce versus physical retail

Why brick-and-mortar remains central to the thrift experience.

34:01 – The future of America’s Thrift Stores

What’s next for the company and the broader secondhand category.