Second-Hand Clothing Store
Open a small neighborhood shop selling affordable, good-quality pre-owned clothes to local shoppers.
- $8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail store selling pre-owned clothing, either bought outright from sellers or taken on consignment. You set up the shop, price and display stock, and serve walk-in customers.
Your first three steps
- Visit local thrift and consignment shops to see their prices, stock and customers, then decide whether to buy outright, consign or do both
- Build a stock of a few hundred items through donations, buy-from-the-public days, estate sales and wholesale bundles
- Look at small retail spaces near foot traffic, check zoning and lease terms, and get a cost estimate for build-out and fixtures
Who pays
Local shoppers wanting budget-friendly everyday wear, students, families and people who enjoy browsing for finds.
How it makes money
You sell items at a markup over what you paid, or keep a share of the sale price on consignment items. Some stores also sell accessories or hold sales events.
Skills that help
- Judging clothing quality and pricing
- Merchandising and display
- Customer service
- Basic bookkeeping and stock control
Watch out for
- Check with your city or county for a business license, and with your state for sales tax registration
- Ask your city about zoning, signage and occupancy rules for the space
- General liability insurance and coverage for stock are worth getting quotes on
- Some states and cities have rules for buying used goods from the public, such as secondhand dealer records, so check locally
- Rent is a fixed cost, so test your numbers before signing a long lease
- Workers' compensation insurance may be needed once you hire staff
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a second-hand clothing store?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your space, fit-out and how much stock you buy or take on consignment. Rent is a fixed cost, so test your numbers before signing a long lease.
How much can a second-hand clothing store make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your location, pricing and stock quality. The estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week of work.
What licenses and rules should I check before opening a thrift-style shop?
Check with your city or county for a business license and your state for sales tax registration. Ask your city about zoning, signage and occupancy rules. Also check local secondhand dealer record rules, insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff.
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