Our Thriving Business Benefits from Tariffs

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ryan Frankel, a 36-year-old business owner in Miami. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My primary venture, Thrift Vintage Fashion, was launched in 2020 alongside my wife Kelly. We specialize in providing secondhand clothing— primarily men’s apparel, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, and denim—distributed to retailers across the nation. However, when Trump took office in January, we initially experienced a sharp decline in our sales.

Following his inauguration, the climate was unpredictable. Yet, our fortunes changed dramatically once tariffs were announced in February. From February to March, our revenue surged by an astounding 41% (gross sales). March and April became our best months since starting the business.

In my view, our growth directly correlates with the tariffs imposed.

A Legacy of Three Generations in Business

The roots of my family’s involvement in the clothing industry stretch back to my grandfather, who began selling men’s secondhand clothing post-World War II. In the ’90s, my father focused primarily on selling denim and Levi’s. When I joined him in 2010, we took significant steps to establish an online presence.

With the launch of Thrift Vintage Fashion, our business skyrocketed right from the start. We achieved over $1 million in revenue within our first year, operating from our garage during the peak of COVID in 2020. This success was largely attributed to my decade of experience working with my father, paired with the efficient model we implemented on the TVF website.

Upsurge in Client Demand Post-Tariff Announcement

Following the tariff announcement, numerous clients—ranging from secondhand clothing stores to vintage boutiques and online resellers—contacted us to inquire if the tariffs had impacted our operations. Despite the prevailing uncertainties, we confidently reassured them, saying, “No, we’re not impacted and won’t be increasing prices.” This response resulted in an influx of new orders, alongside existing clients placing larger orders than before.

The economic climate has also led consumers to prepare for price hikes, further spurring our secondhand sales. As discussions about increasing fashion prices proliferate, the secondhand market remains unaffected by tariffs.

Rise of Interest in Reselling

The reselling market is witnessing a surge, with more individuals interested in pursuing it. This trend is benefiting our wholesale business significantly. We are experiencing consistent growth across the United States.

For the past three years, our primary market has been the US, where interest from both new and existing buyers is growing. Our sales figures are climbing, existing clients are doubling down, and demand in the secondhand sector is increasing. While I may be biased as this is my career, I believe there’s a remarkable opportunity for both consumers and entrepreneurs to consider stepping into the secondhand market.

There’s an abundance of secondhand goods available—eBay, estate sales, garage sales, and storage units are just a few of the resources. Many of the used items are of higher quality than today’s fast fashion offerings. Our company is actively securing more inventory and refining our supply chain in preparation for accelerated growth in both wholesale and retail.

Challenges in the Resale Market

It’s surprising to note that many used clothing items can often exceed the price of new items. Our business is continually challenged by the perception that secondhand clothing should be priced lower than new apparel. However, this notion is evolving as more customers begin to see the value of secondhand items in comparison to inexpensive fast fashion.

As we progress, we are dismantling the stigma around secondhand shopping being “less than.” The reality is, the items we offer are often in excellent condition. While many modern manufacturers create cheap fast-fashion pieces, older garments were typically crafted to last. Whether it’s five or fifteen years old, many of these styles are now rare, thus elevating their market value.

The Growing Demand for Secondhand Apparel

If you’re already involved in selling secondhand goods, congratulations! You’re likely witnessing growth already, and I foresee this trend continuing. For those yet to tap into the secondhand sector—especially in light of the impending tariffs—consider integrating resale into your existing business model.

There are numerous compelling reasons driving secondhand purchases that more American consumers are recognizing each day. There’s a remarkable opportunity to create a brand centered around the billions of secondhand garments currently in circulation. We are moving beyond the outdated perception of thrifting, scratching the surface of what the future holds for the secondhand market.

If you’re a small business owner with a unique story to share, reach out to the editor, Manseen Logan, at [email protected].