The Thrift Shift: Canadians Embrace Second-Hand Shopping with Purpose

Thrifting is mainstream, practical, and good for communities

Canadians are rethinking how they shop — and they’re doing it with purpose. Our new national survey reveals that thrifting is a mainstream movement driven by rising costs and growing environmental awareness.

Based on a survey of more than 1,500 people, The Thrift Shift in Canada, reveals that three in five Canadians plan to shop second-hand or buy pre-owned items this year. More than 80% agree that thrifting simply makes sense — both economically and environmentally — given today’s cost-of-living pressures and concerns about waste.

For many, the motivation starts with savings. More than two-thirds of Canadians (68%) say they thrift to save money, while others point to reducing waste and the excitement of uncovering unique finds. The results underscore a growing sense of pride around thrifted purchases, with 60% of respondents saying they’re happy to show off what they’ve found second-hand.

Thrifting for home finds take centre stage

While clothing and accessories remain popular thrifted items, Canadians are increasingly turning to second-hand shopping for their homes. Interest in pre-owned furniture, kitchenware, and décor is strong, with about seven in 10 Canadians open to buying these items second-hand.

Even more notable is the growing openness to thrifting renovation and home improvement materials. An overwhelming majority of Canadians say they would consider purchasing items such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets, lighting, appliances, and building materials second-hand — a trend that aligns perfectly with what shoppers can discover at Habitat ReStores across the country.

Why Canadians choose charity-run thrift stores

Where Canadians shop matters just as much as what they buy. Nearly two-thirds (61%) say they prefer to thrift at stores run by charitable organizations, valuing the community impact behind each purchase.

That’s where Habitat ReStore stands out. With more than 100 locations across Canada, Habitat ReStores are non-profit home improvement stores and donation centres that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, décor, and building materials at deeply discounted prices. Every purchase supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to work alongside families on their journey to affordable homeownership.

When Canadians shop at a Habitat ReStore, they enjoy a true win‑win‑win: saving money, reducing landfill waste, and directly supporting their local community. Inventory changes constantly, making every visit a new treasure hunt — whether you’re tackling a home renovation, refreshing a room, or searching for something one‑of‑a‑kind.

Thrift smart. Build community.

As thrifting increasingly becomes part of everyday shopping culture, Habitat ReStores offer Canadians a meaningful way to stretch their budgets and make a positive impact. From budget‑friendly finds to big renovation savings, shopping at ReStore is a great way to turn shopping second-hand into stronger communities — one purchase at a time.