Thrift shopping is all the rage right now. Even though a lot of secondhand shopping happens online, physical thrift and secondhand stores are gaining popularity too. As an entrepreneur, you’re entering a growing market. According to a report by ThredUp, the share of secondhand fashion in the market is expected to nearly double from 10% to 18%. Plus, thrift shopping contributes to a sustainable economy. The EU estimates that the fashion industry accounts for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

1. What are the requirements for opening a thrift store?

Legal requirements
Compared to other types of businesses, opening a thrift store involves fewer legal hurdles. You won’t need special licenses or permits—just a standard business registration. Most thrift shop owners operate as sole proprietors or partnerships (if you’re starting with a partner). Keeping it simple is key! Legal structures can add complexity and higher costs. However, if you’re sourcing inventory primarily from commercial suppliers, a corporation might make sense since it allows you to claim VAT deductions from the start as you can use the VAT margin scheme.

Personal skills
Having a basic understanding of business is helpful but doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by doing simple calculations—add up your costs, figure out how much revenue you’ll need, estimate how many customers you’ll need to reach, and set prices accordingly. This process can give you a gut feeling for whether your business plan is viable.

Even more important are your personal skills and attitude. A friendly, welcoming appearance goes a long way in building customer loyalty. Just browse reviews on Google Maps, and you’ll see how much customers appreciate friendly service—it can make or break a business.

Gaining experience first
Working in retail—and ideally in a thrift store—before starting your own shop can be very helpful. You’ll learn what it’s like to interact with customers all day, figure out peak sales times, and understand what types of items sell best. Many successful shop owners started this way. If you’re honest about your ambitions to open your own store, some retailers might even support you—after all, curiosity and drive are great traits in an employee.

2. Step-by-step: Starting a thrift store

Some entrepreneurs dive straight in, but you can also take smaller steps to reduce risk and build confidence.

Start small
Begin by selling pre-loved clothing on platforms like eBay, Vinted or Instagram. This allows you to build a brand, attract a community, and gain experience with lower financial risk. For example, the owner of The Cörcle in Berlin started on eBay, while Ola-Ware began by selling clothes on Instagram. By the time their physical shops opened, they already had a loyal following.

Pop-ups
Pop-up shops or temporary spaces are a great way to test the waters. Look for vacant spaces in your area—real estate agents or local authorities might offer short-term leases to fill empty storefronts. In some cases, landlords might even agree to revenue-sharing instead of a fixed rent. Events like flea markets or organizing your own clothing swaps are also great ways to start.

Consignment
With consignment, people bring you their clothes to sell, and you split the revenue. This method has minimal upfront costs and risk since you don’t need to buy inventory. Many shops successfully use this model, especially for luxury and kids' clothing.

3. Sourcing inventory for your thrift shop

There are countless ways to stock your secondhand shop, and the best approach depends on your strengths and shop concept. Here are some common sourcing strategies:

From individuals

• Donations: Some shops accept clothing donations. While this keeps costs low, donated items are often lower quality and harder to sell.

• Consignment: As mentioned earlier, consignment allows you to share the sales profit with the original owner, keeping your risk low.

• Direct Purchase: You can buy clothing directly from local individuals. This requires more upfront investment but gives you greater control over inventory and pricing.

From markets and platforms

• Flea Markets and Apps: Many shop owners source additional inventory from flea markets or platforms like Vinted. This works best if you’re good at spotting undervalued items.

Wholesale

• Bulk Purchases: Some businesses buy bundles of secondhand clothing from wholesalers. These can range from surprise assortments to curated bundles sorted by category or brand.

• International Sourcing: Some retailers travel to countries like Italy or the Netherlands to visit sorting facilities and handpick inventory.

4. Finding the right location for your thrift store

Your store’s location can significantly impact its success. A busy, high-traffic area often leads to higher sales, but a strong online presence can sometimes compensate for a less prime location. For example, vv_Berlin operates in a less visible spot but has a loyal customer base thanks to their online following.

Consider Taking Over an Existing Shop
Check whether any established shops are looking for new owners—many secondhand stores are transitioning as owners retire. This can give you a head start with an existing customer base a

5. Promoting your thrift store

Google Maps
Make sure your shop is listed on Google Maps with accurate details and appealing photos. Aim for at least 10 positive reviews to establish credibility.

Social Media
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are popular for promoting secondhand shops. Share your daily activities, showcase new arrivals, or tell the story behind special pieces. If social media isn’t your thing, don’t worry—some shops thrive without it. But if you enjoy it, it can be a powerful tool.

Events
Organizing events can help draw people to your store. Host swap parties, repair workshops, or upcycling sessions—free drinks and good music are always a bonus!

6. Is It Worth It?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some thrift stores thrive for decades, while others close within a year. Success depends on location, inventory, costs, and customer engagement. Monthly revenues of €10,000 or more are common for shops in good locations, but what matters most is what’s left after covering rent, wages, and inventory costs.

Many shop owners are motivated by their passion for sustainability and love for unique clothing, rather than just profits. However, it’s essential to set income goals to avoid burnout. Start small, stay flexible, and learn as you go—and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Good luck! If you have questions or need help, feel free to reach out.