Inside many vintage shops, racks of secondhand fashion have become more than just clothes – they are opportunities. From business ownership to sustainability, vintage culture is creating community and careers for young entrepreneurs.
With the rapid growth of thrifting and reselling over vintage pieces, the opportunities are very real. Whether it is profit, brand-building, or finding creative expression, thrifting has opened doors for many. The trend has exploded on platforms such as TikTok, where sellers share their finds, offer advice, and promote sustainable fashion hacks – all while building a sense of community.
According to ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report, the global secondhand apparel market is projected to reach $367 billion by 2029, highlighting how resale is not just a niche but central to the fashion economy. The report also notes that 51% of Gen Z consumers have purchased secondhand clothing, and 46% say they’re open to buying resale in the future.
Even at a more local level, the community aspect is still strong.
“I really like the community I’m building right now, a lot of the local people come in daily, a couple times a week just to kind of see the new stuff that we bring in, kind of just to hang out,” Julian Ajroja, Extinct Vintage owner, said.
Community support is crucial for businesses like these. Without it, growth is difficult. Unlike antique stores that often appeal too broadly, vintage shops thrive when they develop a clear identity that resonates with a dedicated group of customers. Still, challenges go beyond marketing – many entrepreneurs face criticism or doubt, especially when starting.
“I mean, the continuous challenge, always, is trying to get new customers in,” Ajroja said. “I don’t know if it’s the biggest, because we had a pretty good opening. We had a pretty good sale recently, and people come in, but just to continuously get that throughout every business day just is difficult.”
Negativity is another obstacle. Coping with it can make or break a new business.
“When I first started, a lot of people just didn’t like what I would do, and not that they wouldn’t like it, they just didn’t really think it was a serious thing…to this day, people don’t agree with what I do. They think it’s wrong,” Leonel Navarro, Leo’s Vintage owner, said.
Still, the opportunities outweigh the hurdles. Beyond profit, many sellers see vintage as a way to recycle clothing and help the planet. Others value the independence of running their own business or the joy of connecting customers with unique pieces.
“It’s pretty nice also to see how many people come out to the store, or just events in general, and they actually enjoy what they buy, and then, I provide that for them. I give them that experience in store or at events, and I just get them what they like,” Navarro said.
For Elgin Vintage, which prides itself on its motto, Love Earth Back, sustainability is the biggest opportunity.
“There are so many clothes in the world right now that are still good and can be used and don’t need to be thrown away, so just giving another purpose to a piece of clothing that may otherwise be thrown away or discarded,” David Hill, Elgin Vintage owner, said.
National experts agree that buying secondhand plays a significant role in addressing the fashion industry’s waste problem.
“Textile waste is already a very serious problem in the world. Each year, millions of tons of items are created in the U.S. Unfortunately, even today in the 21st century, we still have very limited means to deal with this textile waste,” Dr. Sheng Lu, a University of Delaware professor who studies the fashion industry, said.
Despite these points, some people remain skeptical. Fast-fashion thrift flipping – where trendy secondhand clothes are bought cheaply and then resold quickly for a profit – can undercut sustainability by feeding into cycles of overconsumption.
“You know, you go to the thrift expecting a bunch of good stuff, but then it’s just a bunch of old, dirty clothes that don’t fit well, or don’t look good,” Anthony Muñoz, a junior, said.
However, finding somebody who shared Muñoz’s opinion proved challenging, as most students indicated they believe secondhand fashion is beneficial in more ways than one.
One of the best parts of vintage culture is its accessibility. Anyone can get involved: it does not require a full-time commitment or a specific type of person. Whether someone wants to start a business, earn extra income on the side, or just join a community, vintage culture provides an open door.
“I think if you want it to happen, it’ll happen. Definitely, whether that’s starting your own business or doing anything else,” Hill said.
Oct. 8, 2025
Filler words from quotes were removed for reader convenience. No meaning was changed.