10 Resale Shops in San Diego That'll Make You Forget All About Retail

With skyrocketing inflation, shopping at traditional retail stores is becoming increasingly challenging. That's where resale shops come in. These hidden gems offer a wide variety of gently used and vintage items at a fraction of the cost of new products.

San Diego is home to a treasure trove of resale shops, each with its own unique charm and offerings. From designer clothing to vintage furniture to rare collectibles, there's something for every taste and budget.

1. Crossroads Trading Co. (La Jolla)

Crossroads Trading Co. is a chain of resale shops with a nationwide presence, including a location in the heart of La Jolla. This upscale consignment store specializes in designer clothing, handbags, and accessories. Expect to find gently used pieces from brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton at deeply discounted prices.

2. Buffalo Exchange (Hillcrest)

Buffalo Exchange is another popular chain of resale shops with a location in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood. This store offers a wide variety of used clothing for women, men, and children. From trendy streetwear to vintage finds, there's something for everyone. They also have a dedicated section for designer goods.

3. Plato's Closet (Mission Valley)

Plato's Closet is a resale shop geared towards teenagers and young adults. This store specializes in trendy used clothing, shoes, and accessories. They also offer a limited selection of home goods and electronics. Expect to find name-brand clothing and accessories at affordable prices.

4. Savers (Spring Valley)

Savers is a large-scale thrift store with a location in Spring Valley. This store offers a vast selection of used clothing, furniture, home goods, and more. While the quality and selection can vary widely, you can often find great deals on gently used items.

5. Goodwill Industries (Carlsbad)

Goodwill Industries is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide job training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Their resale shops, located throughout San Diego County, offer a wide variety of used clothing, furniture, and household items.

6. Second Avenue Thrift Store (Point Loma)

Second Avenue Thrift Store is a small, independent resale shop located in Point Loma. This store specializes in vintage and antique furniture, clothing, and home goods. Expect to find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces at reasonable prices.

7. The Salvation Army Thrift Store (Chula Vista)

The Salvation Army Thrift Store is a resale shop that benefits the Salvation Army's charitable programs. This store offers a wide variety of used clothing, furniture, and household items. They also have a section dedicated to vintage and antique finds.

8. The Pink House (San Marcos)

The Pink House is a resale shop that sells gently used women's clothing, accessories, and home goods. This store is known for its curated selection of trendy and stylish pieces. They also offer a limited selection of new items.

9. Out of the Closet (North Park)

Out of the Closet is a resale shop that benefits the San Diego LGBT Community Center. This store specializes in used clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. They also have a small selection of home goods and furniture.

10. Family Thrift Center (Rancho Bernardo)

Family Thrift Center is a large resale shop located in Rancho Bernardo. This store offers a wide variety of used clothing, furniture, home goods, and more. They are known for their low prices and friendly staff.

Benefits of Resale Shops

• Save money: Resale shops offer gently used and vintage items at a fraction of the cost of new products. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
• Be more sustainable: Resale shops help to reduce waste by keeping used items out of landfills. By buying used, you're doing your part to protect the environment.
• Find unique and stylish pieces: Resale shops are a great place to find one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else. From vintage clothing to antique furniture, there's something for everyone.
• Support local businesses: Many resale shops are small, independent businesses. By shopping at these stores, you're supporting your local economy and helping to create jobs.

Tips for Shopping at Resale Shops

• Be patient: Resale shops are often disorganized and cluttered. Be prepared to dig through racks and bins to find the best items.
• Inspect items carefully: Before you buy anything, inspect it carefully for damage or stains. Be sure to try on clothing to make sure it fits properly.
• Haggle: Resale shops are often willing to negotiate on prices. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount, especially if you're buying multiple items.
• Bring cash: Some resale shops only accept cash or do not provide cash back on credit card purchases. Be sure to bring enough cash to cover your purchases.

Top 10 Resale Shops in San Diego

Resale Shop Customer Survey

According to a recent survey conducted by the Resale Shop Association, 90% of resale shop customers say that they are satisfied with their experiences. The survey also found that:

• 65% of resale shop customers are women.
• The average resale shop customer is between the ages of 25 and 44.
• 70% of resale shop customers have a household income of less than $100,000.
• The most popular items purchased at resale shops are clothing, furniture, and home goods.
• 80% of resale shop customers say that they would recommend resale shops to others.

Resale Shop Industry Trends

The resale shop industry is growing rapidly. In 2022, the industry was valued at $24 billion. By 2025, the industry is expected to reach $36 billion. The growth of the industry is being driven by several factors, including:

• The rising cost of new goods
• The growing popularity of sustainable fashion
• The increasing availability of online resale platforms

Resale Shop Emerging Trends

In addition to the traditional resale shop model, several emerging trends are shaping the industry:

• Peer-to-peer resale: Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari allow individuals to sell used items directly to other individuals.
• Subscription-based resale: Services like Rent the Runway and Nuuly offer subscription-based access to a rotating inventory of used items.
• Resale as a service: Companies like The RealReal and Tradesy offer a range of services to help sellers prepare and sell their used items.

Resale Shop Future Outlook

The resale shop industry is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. As consumers become more cost-conscious and environmentally conscious, resale shops will become increasingly popular. The industry is also expected to benefit from the growth of the online resale market.

Conclusion

Resale shops are a great way to save money, be more sustainable, and find unique and stylish pieces. There is a wide variety of resale shops in San Diego to choose from, so you're sure to find one that you love.