The secondhand market is booming, with the industry projected to reach $77 billion by 2025. While this growth reflects a strong demand for thrifted goods, it also means increased competition — making it crucial for new nonprofit thrift stores to stand out.
Unlike consignment or resale shops, nonprofit thrift stores often have a mission-driven purpose, whether supporting a charity, funding community programs, or providing affordable goods. Effective marketing helps attract shoppers and raises awareness for your cause, encouraging repeat customers and donations.
If you’ve recently opened a thrift store and are looking for ways to increase foot traffic and build a loyal customer base, these five beginner-friendly marketing strategies for thrift stores will help set you up for success.
1. Improve Your Business’ Local Search Visibility
When people search for a thrift store in your area, you want yours to be the first one they find. A strong local online presence helps bring more shoppers through your doors, turning casual searches into regular customers.
Start by claiming your Google Business Profile and making it as inviting as possible. Verify that your store’s name, address, phone number, and hours are correct. Then, add some great photos that show off your best finds. Happy customers can be your best promoters, so ask them to leave a review — this helps build trust and makes your store stand out in search results.
Next, take a look at your website (or create one if you haven’t yet). Use local search engine optimization (SEO) keywords like “affordable thrift store in [your city]” or “great secondhand deals near me” to help people find you online. And don’t forget about mobile shoppers — make sure your site loads fast and looks good on any device.
These small marketing strategies for thrift stores can help your business appear in local searches, driving more foot traffic to your door.
2. Collaborate With Like-Minded Local Businesses
Building relationships with other businesses in your community is a powerful and fun way to spread the word about your thrift store. By working together, you both gain new customers while establishing local connections.
Look for businesses that align with your mission or attract a similar crowd. For example, if you partner with a local coffee shop, customers who show a receipt from your store could get a discount on their coffee, and vice versa. Or, team up with a nearby vintage boutique for a joint sale, cross-promotions, or even a themed shopping event.
These collaborations introduce your store to a wider audience and establish your thrift shop as an active part of the community. When businesses support each other, everyone wins — your customers get a better experience, and you get more people through your doors.
3. Bundle Products and Offer Volume Discounts
Everyone loves a good deal, and bundling products is an easy way to give shoppers more value while helping you move inventory. Instead of selling items individually, group them together for a better bargain — for instance, “buy 3 shirts, get 1 free” or a video game console bundled with a few games to sweeten the purchase. You can also get creative with themed packs, like a collection of DVDs from the same series or a vintage home décor set.
Bundles create a sense of value, making customers feel like they’re getting more for less, often leading to larger purchases. Promote these deals with attention-grabbing social media posts and in-store signage. A simple post with a caption like “Limited-time vintage bundle deals — grab yours before they’re gone!” can capture attention and attract more customers to your store.
Offering volume discounts like these makes customers feel like they’re scoring a great deal and creates excitement. It’s also a great way to clear out slow-moving inventory while improving your thrift store’s bottom line.
4. Rethink Your Store Layout To Entice Purchases
The way your thrift store is arranged can have a big impact on how much customers buy. A well-planned layout makes shopping easier, encourages browsing, and leads to more sales.
Start by grouping similar products into clear sections — clothing, books, home goods, and accessories — so shoppers can easily find what they need. Placing a “New Arrivals” section near the entrance immediately draws attention, while a “Rare Finds” or “Last Chance” display adds a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to make quick purchasing decisions.
Place high-margin or impulse-buy items near the checkout counter to increase sales. Small accessories like jewelry, sunglasses, or keychains are perfect for last-minute additions. You can also set up themed displays, such as a “Cozy Winter Corner” with sweaters and blankets or a “Retro Gaming Zone” featuring vintage consoles and classic games.
5. Promote Roundup Donations
One of the most impactful marketing strategies for thrift stores is promoting roundup donations at checkout. This simple approach allows customers to round up their total to the nearest dollar, with the extra change benefiting a cause your store supports.
Make sure customers are aware of this option by placing clear signage near the register and training cashiers to mention it during checkout. A point of sale (POS) system like ThriftCart can make the roundup donation process easier, so that customers are just a tap away from contributing to your cause.
To keep donors engaged, include a thank-you message on receipts and share updates on social media platforms about how these contributions are making a difference. Highlighting real stories and the impact of donations builds goodwill and deepens your thrift store’s connection with the community.
Take Your Thrift Store to the Next Level With ThriftCart
Marketing strategies for thrift stores don’t have to be overwhelming. Start by improving local search visibility to make it easier for customers to find you. Partnering with nearby businesses can expand your reach and bring in new shoppers. Bundling products and refining your store layout encourage more purchases while promoting roundup donations, which helps generate additional support for your cause.
Use ThriftCart’s POS software to simplify these strategies. With built-in tools for inventory management, donation tracking, and integrated payment processing, ThriftCart makes it easier to manage your store while keeping your marketing on track.
Want to see how it works? Schedule a demo today to discover how ThriftCart can help your thrift store succeed.
