Second hand retailers aregrowing rapidly in Southern California. According to a new reportfrom CBRE, thrift store and re-sell stores haveincreased square footage by 51% since 2010 in the region. SouthernCalifornia, however, isn't alone. These retailers have been growingnationwide, with a total of $28 billion in 2019 alone, and anexpectation that sales will double to $51 billion by 2023—barringof course any setbacks from the current corona virus pandemic.

"From a retail perspective, this concept is gaining momentum dueto the lack of pressure from e-commerce as well as the singularoptions that second-hand retailers offer," MottiFarag, senior associated at CBRE, tells GlobeSt.com. "Eachindividual second-hand retailer offers its own unique set ofproducts, goods and apparel. Also, customers are often able to findgreat deals, which elevates their overall shopping experience.Shopping at second-hand retail stores is also experiential becauseof the excitement associated with finding an item that is trulyone-of-a-kind in today's market. The lack of pressure frome-commerce is due to the low price points associated with thereused products that are found at a second-hand retailer."

The spectrum of re-sell brands can be expansive—from vintage andantique store to the Goodwill. In general, second hand storesinclude any stores that sell items that are used. "Second-handapparel retailers are defined as a retail store which sells goods,primarily apparel, that are not brand new," says Farag. "The goodsare purchased from individuals who are interested in selling ordonating products and soft goods to retailers who can resell thoseitems for reuse. Second-hand apparel gives customers theopportunity to recycle older items that they have outgrown or nolonger need. Reuse is a virtuous cycle that reduces pollutants andwaste build-up."