A second-hand shop is a shop which sells used goods. Secondhand shops are often part of the different parts of the reuse or circular economy. Different formats of second-hand shop exist, selling in different formats and type of content: from antique stores, to consignment, and various types of thrift or charity shop, where the used goods are sold.
The format of selling second hand goods in a shop, is not ubiquitous: the cost of operating a physical location alongside the need to handle large inventory, sometimes means that resellers opt for temporary venues like flea markets, garage sales or temporary pop-up type sales.
Some goods have always had a vibrant second hand market that allow for the creation of permanent venues, such as antiques and books. With the advent of social movements focused on reuses in the 21st century, such as the sustainable fashion movement, other goods have become more economical for specialized stores focused on their resale.
In the 19th century the clothing industry in America was dominated by Jewish immigrants. Central European Jewish communities developed a role called peddling, also referred as it's Yiddish name "shmatte," meaning clothing or rag. This occupation involved selling push carts, bundles and/or stacks of clothing which introduced a strong second hand market to America. At the time, it was a highly effective way for Jewish immigrants to integrate into the American economy. Jennifer Le Zotte describes common misconceptions about thrifting to have significant ties to antisemitism during this time. She references an 1844 narrative published in the "Saturday Evening Post", illustrating the Xenophobia and superstition that played a role in shaping attitudes about second hand clothing during that time.
The environmental impact of fashion has led to shifting attitudes about the secondhand market with implications such as extending the lifecycle of items, and reducing textile waste. According to sustainable fashion specialist Meital Peleg Mizrachi and environmental specialist Ori Sharon, there are increasing signs in secondhand consumers that replicate behavior found in fast fashion systems: mitigating shopping guilt, an increase in frequency of clothing purchases.
People will sell used goods right in front of their home in what is called a "garage sale". The products would be set up in front of the garage.
In the UK, people buy and sell at a car boot sale. Sellers will drive their vehicles to a large field, laden with products both used and new, and sell out of their boot.
A flea market is a type of street market that provides space for vendors to sell previously owned goods.