2024 Black Friday Thrifting Guide

Black Friday might make you think of packed malls and vast crowds fighting over TVs and computers, but smart shoppers know the real gems are hiding in thrift stores and online resale platforms. Imagine scoring that vintage band tee or barely-used designer bag at the biggest discount of the year. Retail racks just can’t match the value and thrill of a great second hand find—especially when prices are slashed.

In this guide, we’ll explore strategies for thrifters who want top-tier finds at a fraction of the price (yes, even compared to Black Friday retail pricing!). Whether you’re looking for holiday gifts, rare collectibles, or that Ralph Lauren purse you’ve been waiting to buy for months in anticipation of a price drop, we’ve got tips to help you get the best Black Friday deals in thrifting.

Tip: If you also sell clothes online, make sure to check out our Black Friday strategies for clothing resellers.

Black Friday & Thrifting

Black Friday seems to surge in popularity every year. While already the biggest shopping day of the year, online Black Friday sales grew 7.5% in the U.S. in 2023 (source) to almost $10 billion. But while retail stores may get most of the attention, there are great deals to be had in the thrifting world too.

In your local area, popular thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village (Savers in the U.S.) and Talize all often offer Black Friday promotions. Discounts at Value Village, for example, have gone as high as 50% off. Participation may vary by region and store, so it’s important to check with the store or online to confirm what deals are being offered. Your best bet here is to sign up for newsletters, ask the next time you’re in the store, and follow your local thrift shops on social media.

Online thrift platforms vary more in their support for Black Friday. ThredUp and eBay, for example, may offer site-wide discounts or discounts by category that are coordinated at the platform level. On Poshmark and Depop, individually sellers may offer special discounts or bundle deals. Watch the platform apps and social properties for updates, but even if nothing is advertised across the platform, check for deals offered by individual sellers. There may be some great discounts available.

Get the Best Black Friday Deals

In order to find the prices prices on second hand apparel during Black Friday, here are some tips:

• For your favorite online resale platforms, prep in advance by adding pieces you want to a wish list, your cart, or some other monitoring tool so you can track price changes and be ready to buy immediately on Black Friday.
• Confirm store hours and get to your favorite store as soon as it opens. For online platforms, jump on as soon as sales start.
• Watch for extended sales. Some stores may start Black Friday discounts early, and some may extend sales through Cyber Monday and the following week. You may have multiple opportunities to score the best deals.
• Look out for flash sale announcements on social media and newsletters.
• Join store loyalty programs in advance. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to double up on discounts!
• Watch out for pre-sale events, which some stores may offer to their most loyal customers. If that’s you, and you get an invitation, make sure to check it out!
• Double-check return policies. Some stores may change them for Black Friday, and you don’t want to discover the hard way that you can’t make a return.
• Follow online thrifting communities and local second hand groups in case there’s insider information about upcoming sales.

Conclusion

Black Friday thrifting is a great way to snag a good deal while also supporting your local community, making sustainable choices, finding high-quality items to add to your wardrobe, and embracing the thrill of discovery. Through careful planning and following some of my best Black Friday thrifting tips, you will no doubt land some amazing finds without having to deal with the retail chaos.

Happy thrifting!