Michigan Resale Businesses Thrive as 4.2% Inflation and Tariffs Lift Local Supply Chains
Updated
Updated · Detroit News · Jun 29
Michigan Resale Businesses Thrive as 4.2% Inflation and Tariffs Lift Local Supply Chains
1 articles · Updated · Detroit News · Jun 29
Summary
Michigan reuse and resale retailers are gaining customers as tariffs and inflation steer shoppers toward domestically sourced secondhand goods, with one salvage business reporting sales up 35% from a year earlier.
4.2% annual inflation in May and tariff-driven increases on imported furniture, clothing and building materials have widened the price gap, while thrift, consignment and salvage shops avoid those costs through local circular supply chains.
Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage says its moderate pricing has fueled demand for custom furniture, and Salvation Army's Clinton Township By The Pound store is expected to gross more than $1 million this year, up about 20%.
Le Shoppe Modern sources 95% of its inventory from Michigan homes and businesses, giving buyers immediate availability and stable prices even as big-box chains face import costs and longer lead times.
Michigan retailers say the shift is also reinforcing buy-local habits, keeping more consumer spending in-state and potentially making resale gains stick beyond the latest tariff cycle.