Selling used items is big business. First Research estimates the resale industry in the U.S. to have annual revenues of approximately $13 billion. Selling the items that people want to buy can make the difference between staying in business and an empty store. Discovering items that sell best in your thrift store will keep you in business and customers coming back.
Clothing
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Clothing is an item that sells best in thrift stores. Accounting for 31.8 percent of industry revenue, clothing is the largest revenue generator in the Thrift Stores industry, according to IBISWorld. Instead of paying higher retail prices, many people are switching to thrift stores for their clothing needs. IBISWorld also reports that women's clothing and shoes accounts for about 60 percent of clothing sales, while the remainder is split evenly between children's and men's clothing.
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Books
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A survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project reveals that 78 percent of Americans ages 16 and older read a book in the past twelve months. Although digital books have made inroads into the market, many still prefer physical books. Offering a good selection of new and used books at affordable prices will attract all types of readers. Pew Research Center also stated that 66 percent of people get their book recommendations from family and friends while 34 percent use online bookstores and websites. Staying current with what people are reading will keep your thrift shop stocked with books that sell.
Furniture
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Used furniture also is popular at thrift stores. Most retail furniture is expensive and available in limited styles and colors that may not suit a buyer's style or budget. To periodically update their homes with a new look, many shoppers search for hidden gems with good craftsmanship that can be used "as is" or redesigned with a new look. Sofas, tables, chairs, dressers and desks are a few of these items that attract buyers looking for new furniture at something less than the normal retail price.
Home Decor
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Home decor items also sell well in thrift stores. Shoppers look for unique home decor items not typically found in retail stores, or for inexpensive items they can later alter to reflect their own design standards. Items such as picture frames and lamps can be customized to match their personality and style. With a little bit of creativity, home decor items can be redesigned into new creations that become a great conversation piece among family and friends, and a thrift store can increase the market for these items that by encouraging such actions in its advertising strategy.
