Thrift Shopping in Pasadena, Pomona & Duarte: Why More San Gabriel Valley Shoppers Are Skipping Retail
Something is happening at thrift stores across the San Gabriel Valley — and the numbers back it up. Foot traffic at secondhand stores nationwide jumped nearly 40% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and in communities like Pasadena, Pomona, and Duarte, that shift is showing up right at the front door.
The reasons are straightforward: new clothing prices have been climbing steadily, tariff pressures are pushing retail costs higher, and a growing number of shoppers — across every income level — have decided there's a smarter way to get dressed, furnish a home, and find something truly one of a kind. Thrift shopping isn't the fallback plan. It's the plan.
At ACTS Thrift, we've seen it firsthand. People who've never shopped secondhand before are walking in for the first time. People who've been shopping with us for years are coming back more often. And just about everyone is walking out with something they didn't expect to find.
Why Thrifting Has Gone Mainstream in 2026
The U.S. secondhand market is now worth an estimated $61 billion — up more than 143% since 2018. What was once a niche habit has become a preferred choice for nearly 60% of American shoppers. Gen Z leads the charge, with 83% either buying or actively interested in secondhand goods, but the appeal is crossing generations fast.
Three things are driving it locally:
Inflation and rising retail prices. New clothing costs keep climbing, and shoppers are making the math work by going secondhand — saving between 50% and 90% off retail prices on comparable items.
Sustainability. Buying one secondhand item instead of new saves an average of 8.4 pounds of carbon emissions and nearly 89 gallons of water. That's a number people are paying attention to.
The thrill of the find. Unlike retail, every trip to ACTS is different. The selection changes daily, deals rotate weekly, and the hunt itself is part of the experience. Most shoppers spend 30 to 60 minutes browsing — and it feels like time well spent.
What You'll Find at ACTS Thrift
ACTS carries a wide, constantly rotating inventory of gently used clothing, shoes, home goods, furniture, books, toys, and more. Walk in on any given day and the floor looks different than it did the week before. That's by design.
We run weekly color tag sales — up to 50% off select items already priced affordably — so the deals are always fresh. Check actsthrift.org for the current sale schedule before you come in.
Shopping tips for first-timers:
Check actsthrift.org for the current color tag sale schedule before you visit.
Come in mid-week when new donations have been sorted and put on the floor.
Sign up for the Giving and Helping Club to earn perks and get insider deals.
Bring a list of what you need — clothing sizes, furniture dimensions, specific items — but stay open. The best finds are usually the unexpected ones.
Three Locations Serving the San Gabriel Valley
ACTS has three locations across the San Gabriel Valley, each serving the surrounding community:
Pasadena: 1311 North Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107 — (626) 577-4477
Pomona: 232 East Foothill Blvd., Pomona, CA 91767 — (909) 491-3199
Duarte: 2215 E Huntington Dr., Duarte, CA 91010 — (626) 605-2914 (Now Open!)
Every Dollar You Spend Goes Back to the Community
Here's what makes ACTS different: 100% of net proceeds go directly back to the community. We financially support organizations doing critical work across the region — Door of Hope, FrontSight Military Ministry, Obria Medical Clinics, Hoving Home, Inland Valley Hope Partners, and Pacific Lifeline.
When you shop at ACTS, you're not just finding a good deal. You're funding housing support, veterans' services, healthcare access, and recovery programs for neighbors who need it. The math is simple: quality goods at honest prices, and every dollar supporting families, children, and the unhoused in the San Gabriel Valley.
The Smart Way to Shop in Pasadena, Pomona & Duarte
Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, furnishing a new space, or just looking for something unique, ACTS Thrift is worth the trip. New inventory arrives constantly, deals rotate weekly, and you never know what you'll find.
Ready to shop? Visit any of our three San Gabriel Valley locations or browse deals and sale schedules at actsthrift.org. New color tag sales every week — come see what's in.
