FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2023

Contact: Adele R. Meyer, Executive Director
800-544-0751 or
adele@narts.org

Resale... THE Destination for Holiday Shopping
St. Clair Shores, MI —NARTS, The Association of Resale Professionals, predicts an  increase in holiday sales for the resale industry this year based on current trends. Even during a healthy economy, as consumers continue to be aware of their spending, the resale industry attracts new customers and suppliers in record numbers.

NARTS attributes the increase to Social Media marketing and word of mouth advertising by avid resalers who proudly share their joy every time they spend less for more! The resale industry grows and thrives... shining with promise!

The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects record spending during the holiday season—defined as November 1 through December 31—and forecast retail sales to increase between 3% and 4% over 2022 to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion.  Despite a slower growth rate compared with the past three years, when trillions of dollars of stimulus led to unprecedented rates of retail spending during the pandemic, this year’s holiday spending is consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to 2019. And the projected total sales, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail, would top the record of $929.5 billion set last year.
 
“It is not surprising to see holiday sales growth returning to pre-pandemic levels,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Overall household finances remain in good shape and will continue to support the consumer’s ability to spend.”

Holiday shoppers will still be carefully monitoring the value they receive for each dollar spent. There is no better way to get exceptional value for your money than shopping resale.

Savvy shoppers see resale as their best shopping secret. The industry has a diversity of stores offering something for all consumer pocketbooks and tastes. Shoppers find interesting, quality gifts at a fraction of the price they would pay at a regular store, even on sale... and that helps them enjoy Happy Holidays—Resale Style!. The attraction to resale is twofold: you can give something unique and save a lot of money. Some consumers may still be experiencing uneasiness when it comes to their purchase decisions this holiday season, but smart shoppers can easily give everyone on their list twice as much, and still have money left over, when shopping resale without sacrificing excellence. They will also find items with their original price tags still attached. People get things home and don't like them as well as they did in the store or never find the perfect match for that garment or a place for home decor items they just had to have—it happens more frequently than one would expect.

The increased popularity of resale shopping to meet consumer needs for apparel and furniture has expanded to include gifts. More people are buying gift cards for family and friends, giving them a shopping spree at their favorite resale store. Most NARTS members sell gift cards and many extend shopping hours during the holiday season.

Resale offers the same amenities consumers are used to seeing at department stores... except for the higher retail prices! Don't be surprised to find Santa visiting a local resale shop during one of their many holiday promotions which often include drawings, sales, evening shopping parties and benefits for local charities. However, what many people enjoy most is the fact that they are buying from a small shop, a local business that supports their community, and they get personal attention they do not receive at large chain stores.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, traditionally called Black Friday, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Resale stores are seeing their share of holiday shoppers on Black Friday. The following day, Small Business Saturday, will see many resale shops having special events and/or promotions to attract shoppers. Resale shopping has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many families, especially those with out-of-town visitors. They escape the over crowded malls and take advantage of the early-bird events offered by many resale shops. The savvy shoppers leave with bags filled with fantastic finds and original gifts. Not only do they get bargains, they also help the environment by virtue of recycling. Shopping at not-for-profit resale stores—where profits go to fund their charitable works—has the added benefit of helping those in need.  

Many resale stores supplement their gently used inventory with new items at discounted prices—providing consumers with more choices for gift giving. You can find something "of the moment" at a price that is forgiving. Jewelry, scarves, ponchos, purses, bath & body products and a multitude of the hottest new accessories can be found in apparel stores. Toys, socks and hair accessories are among new items showcased at children's shops. Furniture stores offer an array of home decor accessories such as; candles, china, crystal, picture frames, lamps and holiday decorations displayed in attractive vignettes. Many resale stores have everything you need under one roof. If you went to the mall, you would have to shop in several stores to find the wonderful variety offered in just one resale shop.

"Resale shops offer unique merchandise and exceptional customer service, making them an increasingly popular destination for gift shopping," said NARTS Executive Director Adele Meyer. "With the recognition of resale shops as mainstream retailers, they have become a favorite source for presents, as well as holiday fashions and decor for smart consumers seeking quality at a savings. Resale gives consumers the opportunity to accomplish their holiday shopping while staying within their budget!"

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NARTS, the world’s largest resale trade association, is dedicated to continuing education within the resale industry. The association serves resale shops of all types by providing educational and professional development for future owners and current store owners/managers. The Shopping Guide section of their Website provides a listing of member stores and consumer information.