The secondhand goods market in the United States is set to grow significantly, reaching $246.7 billion by 2026, according to a report from mobile marketplace OfferUp. This represents a 7.9% increase from 2025, with projections showing a further rise to $307.7 billion by 2030. By the end of the decade, used goods are expected to account for 8.3% of retail spending in the U.S., highlighting the growing importance of secondhand shopping in the retail market.
The 2026 Recommerce Report, published in partnership with GlobalData, shows how secondhand shopping helps consumers maximize their budgets while unlocking value from items they already own. Economic pressures, including rising costs and tariff concerns, are driving this shift, making resale an increasingly attractive option for shoppers.
Economic Pressures Drive Resale Growth
Economic factors are a key motivator for the resale boom. The report reveals that 90% of U.S. shoppers have purchased secondhand items in the past year, while 51% have sold used goods. Notably, 71% of consumers cited economic or financial concerns as influencing their decision to buy or sell secondhand, with 56% specifically pointing to cost of living or inflation as key drivers. Additionally, 51% of consumers said worries about tariff-related price increases made them more likely to consider secondhand purchases, a figure that rises to 66% among Gen Zers.
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Online resale platforms are thriving, with 81% of consumers spending as much or more time on these sites compared to a year ago. Similarly, 78% are buying as many or more secondhand items. The primary motivation for buyers is the ability to get desired items without paying full retail price, with 81% citing this as a key factor.
Secondhand Shopping Across Categories
Consumers are increasingly considering secondhand options for big-ticket purchases. 44% of shoppers check for used alternatives before buying items valued at $100 or more. On the selling side, 95% of consumers believe they own items they could resell, with 53% estimating potential earnings of at least $500. One-third said they could make $1,000 or more, and 13% said they could make $3,000 or more.
The primary uses for resale earnings include paying bills (51%), savings (41%), debt repayment (25%), and funding businesses or side hustles (11%). Among Gen Z sellers, the last figure rises to 18%, reflecting their entrepreneurial spirit.
Gen Z Leads the Resale Charge
Gen Z is at the forefront of the resale trend, with 67% choosing used goods when available, compared to 51% of the general population. 41% of Gen Zers buy secondhand to access higher-quality products they couldn’t otherwise afford, showcasing their strategic approach to shopping.
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Economic concerns significantly influence resale behavior, with 91% of Gen Zers citing financial factors as a motivator. However, 47% of this cohort have avoided listing items due to concerns about friends, relatives, or coworkers seeing their sales, compared to 30% of U.S. shoppers overall. This highlights the unique social considerations of younger consumers.
As the resale market becomes more digital, consumers see a role for AI in reducing transaction friction. 39% find AI-generated price suggestions useful, while 30% appreciate item or category identification. However, 54% of consumers, and 68% of Gen Zers, express less confidence in listings with AI-altered images, indicating a preference for authenticity.
When it comes to purchasing, 38% of U.S. consumers prefer buying locally and picking up items in person, while 25% opt for shipping. Among those who have had items shipped, 41% report receiving products that differed from the seller’s description, showing the importance of trust in online transactions.
