With Tariffs Coming, Here’s What Smart Shoppers Plan To Do

With shifting global economic landscapes, American consumers are growing concerned about how tariffs might affect their everyday purchases. As prices on imported goods rise, savvy shoppers are exploring new ways to stay stylish without breaking the bank. 

According to a Bid-On-Equipment survey, 67% of Americans plan to change their shopping habits in response to these higher costs – such as comparing prices more carefully and limiting international purchases. But the most notable solution to these increasing costs? Almost 50% of respondents plan to shop at thrift or secondhand stores and small or local businesses. 

Secondhand luxury and the cyclical fashion economy have gained popularity in recent years – both as a cost-saving measure and a means of making more sustainable fashion choices. It’s no surprise that more Americans are starting to adopt this wallet-friendly and planet-friendly approach to buying. 

Below, we’ll explore how the new tariffs are influencing consumer behavior and why secondhand shopping at boutiques like Current Boutique could be the perfect solution.

What Tariffs Mean For Shoppers

Tariffs are politically complex, but the reality for most shoppers is straightforward: imported goods will likely carry higher price tags for the foreseeable future. For budget-conscious style enthusiasts, paying hundreds—or even thousands—more on a newly imported piece doesn’t feel like a wise choice.

We’re already seeing shoppers turn to the secondhand market in response. According to a report by OfferUp, the “recommerce” market is expected to grow 55% by 2029, outpacing the overall retail market’s growth.

How Will Tariffs Turbocharge Secondhand Shopping?

1. A Budget-Friendly Alternative

A 2023 report by Capital One found that 85% of respondents shop at thrift stores primarily to save money. The typical thrifter saves about $1,760 per year by purchasing secondhand, a figure likely to jump significantly as tariffs push prices up.

With prices on imported goods – especially luxury goods – on the rise, shoppers are naturally looking for ways to score their dream pieces without overextending their budgets. The secondhand market offers a sweet spot: shoppers can find designer items sold locally, not subject to tariffs – and often at a fraction of their original ticket price.

2. The Fall of Fast Fashion

Popular fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu are imported from China, which has faced new tariffs. These brands will likely raise prices and pass the rising costs on to consumers.

But shoppers are generally buying fast fashion for one key reason: low cost. If costs rise while quality remains poor, shoppers will quickly lose interest. Why pay more for subpar quality when you could invest in a high-quality designer piece that lasts…  and for nearly the same cost?

3. An Investment in Quality

Anyone who has invested in a designer handbag knows quality is a game-changer for your wardrobe. Luxury brands build their reputations on durability, meaning pieces can cycle through multiple closets over a lifetime. As tariffs increase the cost of new luxury items, secondhand finds become even more attractive as long-term, high-quality investments.

For many shoppers, the chance to score a gently loved statement piece at below-retail prices is irresistible. And because these items tend to retain their value, there will be an opportunity to sell and recirculate them in the future—a hallmark of the cyclical fashion economy.

4. Crafting a Sustainable Future

As tariffs shape the immediate future of the fashion industry, the cyclical fashion economy offers a powerful antidote to price hikes and waste. There are plenty of existing products already in circulation; we just need to help these pieces find their new homes!

The cyclical fashion economy represents a shift away from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model to one where clothing and accessories are reused, repaired, and recycled for as long as possible. Rather than letting garments languish in closets – or worse, in landfills – consumers actively rotate items through resale, donation, or upcycling. This gives shoppers access to “new” (new-to-them) pieces while curbing the demand for newly-produced goods.

Ultimately, choosing preloved pieces reduces consumption, waste, and shipping emissions, while also helping sidestep tariff costs and support local economies.

5. Greater Choice & Availability

For fashion hunters searching for unique pieces, secondhand luxury is the best way to find one-of-a-kind styles that go beyond cookie-cutter fast fashion. Instead of paying extra for the same run-of-the-mill fast fashion looks, consignment shoppers can browse well-curated collections of authenticated designer items. This shift represents not just a change in buying habits, but a broader transformation in the true definition of fashion and individuality.

6. The Stigma is Gone

The stigma around secondhand clothing left the building several years ago, as sustainability became a priority for many consumers. Now that consignment shopping is also the most budget-friendly way to find new pieces, even more shoppers are turning to preloved options.

Secondhand shopping has come a long way from rummaging through bins in thrift stores. Upscale resale boutiques like Current Boutique offer designer items that are expertly curated, meticulously authenticated, and often in near-pristine condition. When you purchase from a reputable consignment store like Current Boutique, you gain access to a carefully vetted collection of iconic handbags, timeless jewelry, and runway-worthy apparel – all at a fraction of the original cost. That’s something every smart fashionista can get behind!

How to Get Started

Below are four practical ways to shop smart right now.

1. Audit Your Closet

In an uncertain economy, there are two ways you can approach your closet audit.

• Hold on to your clothes, so you don’t have to buy anything new during uncertain times.
• Purge items you never wear, so you can resell them for extra cash to put toward essentials or timeless pieces you truly want.

Either way, go through your closet and sort everything into categories: pieces you love, pieces you never wear, and pieces that may need a little TLC. You might rediscover long-lost favorites or find that a small repair or alteration can breathe new life into a garment. This audit will help you curate your closet in a way that refines your personal style, ensuring you have a clear view of what you genuinely need to buy moving forward without wasting money.

2. Consign Your Clothes 

If you find items in your closet that no longer suit your style, consider consigning or selling them. Gently used designer pieces often have impressive returns when sold through a reputable consignment boutique like Current Boutique. Then, you can funnel your earnings into your next major fashion investment – like a timeless statement bag or a classic blazer that will remain a wardrobe staple for years.

With a clearer sense of what’s missing in your wardrobe, focus on purchasing pieces designed to stand the test of time. Look for quality brands, versatile silhouettes, and seasonless colors from budget-friendly consignment stores. By choosing carefully, you’ll add timeless items that complement your existing pieces, helping avoid expensive fast-fashion whims.

Learn our tips on selecting consignment clothing pieces here. 

3. Maintain & Preserve

Extend the life of your purchases by caring for them properly. Wash and store garments according to their fabric requirements, keep luxury handbags in their dust bags, and use sturdy hangers to prevent stretching. Simple maintenance like polishing hardware or replacing worn soles can keep your items pristine – which also means they’ll be easier to consign later if you decide to part ways.

Check out our tips for maintaining your clothes and accessories here.

Secondhand Shopping is Smart Shopping

Rising tariffs may signal higher price tags on new imported goods, but that doesn’t mean luxury is out of reach. In fact, this shift could be the catalyst for consumers to rediscover the many benefits and joys of secondhand shopping. By embracing the preloved fashion world, you’re making a savvy financial decision and investing in a more sustainable, community-driven approach to style.

At Current Boutique, we invite you to explore a world of preloved designer goods that fit your budget, align with your values, and bring a touch of timeless glamour to your wardrobe. Start shopping here to find luxury finds at a price your wallet will love!