MALVERN, Pa. (WPVI) — The growing popularity of secondhand shopping is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, including a Malvern woman who is taking her resale business from online sales to a brick-and-mortar store.
A new eBay report found 81% of Americans surveyed shopped secondhand in the past year.
Saving money ranked among the top three reasons for buying used goods, with nearly half of respondents listing it as their primary reason.
For Ashley Ralligh, concerns about the economy helped spark a business idea.
“Having anxiety about the economy, so I started thrifting,” Ralligh said.
Ralligh began her side business in 2025 by selling handbags online.
“So I opened up a Poshmark store, and I started live-selling purses. Coach purses is what I loved to sell, and it really took off from there,” she said.
Within a year, Ralligh expanded from online sales to a booth at the Philadelphia Flea Market Consignment.
Next month, she plans to open Mainline ReChic at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, describing the business as a place where luxury meets attainable prices.
Ralligh said affordability is helping drive demand for secondhand goods.
“Of course, the financial piece of it, they wanted to be fiscally responsible. People are looking to reallocate their funds in any way possible,” she said.
Everyday fashion, footwear, home, and media are among the top categories for secondhand purchases.
“They see the craftsmanship is incomparable,” Ralligh said. “They want to see their money go a lot further than if you were to go and buy brand new. What you can get vintage for $80 is going to get you a lot more than what you can get for $80 in a box store.”
Ralligh plans to open Mainline ReChic before Thanksgiving and in time for Black Friday.
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