August 12,2025
RED FM News Desk
A new report says second-hand shopping is becoming a more frequent choice for Canadians.
According to retail consultancy DIG360 and the Angus Reid Institute, 77% of Canadian adults bought at least one pre-owned item in the past year, and nearly one-third (31%) said U.S. tariff threats influenced their decision to thrift more often.
Gen Z and Millennials are driving the trend, with books, music, and adult clothing and footwear among the most popular purchases. Facebook Marketplace tops the list of preferred platforms, followed by charitable thrift stores and garage sales.
While most shoppers cite affordability and sustainability as their main motivations, 40% also see avoiding American products as a reason to buy second-hand.
Those who didn’t shop second-hand in the past year pointed to reasons like the time needed to browse, discomfort with thrift store environments, dislike of used goods, concerns about quality, or simply forgetting it was an option.
On the selling side, more than 90% of Canadians reported donating or selling items in the past year and a quarter — a figure that has been rising.
The report comes amid heightened trade tensions, with U.S. President Donald Trump recently imposing a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, adding to earlier duties on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and semi-finished copper.
DIG360 and Angus Reid suggest Canadian retailers could benefit from promoting the unique and experiential appeal of second-hand shopping, noting that 71% of Canadians view it as a good way to find unique items, and 54% consider it a fun, treasure-hunting experience.
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