As the world economy braces for potentially prolonged trade negotiations, U.S consumers are already feeling the pinch of tariffs on imports, primarily from China. Everyday items such as electronics, clothing, and furniture are all coming with an elevated price tag as corporations and big box retailers pass the burden of new costs on to consumers. With many households here in Oregon already struggling with inflation rates, lack of housing availability, and stagnant wage growth, the added pressure of tariff pricing is already pushing many Oregonians to seek alternatives.
But what about second-hand resellers like St. Vinnie’s retail-thrift stores? How is Lane County’s largest human-service nonprofit and thrift-store chain facing the rising costs of the same common consumer items that fill their shelves? Actually, by doing what they have always done — providing a wide selection of goods at modest prices and staying focused on their mission of serving as many neighbors in need as possible through their voucher programs.
“We are proud to be a community organization, providing a variety of materials locally while simultaneously supporting the supportive efforts of the agency through community sales,” says SVdP Lane County Executive Director Bethany Cartledge.
Like most second-hand stores, St. Vinnie’s receives much of its inventory through community donations. While St. Vinnie’s does cover transport costs to import some antique furniture from partners in the United Kingdom, these select items account for far less than 5 percent of the store’s total product, meaning more than 95 percent of the items you’ll find at any St. Vinnie’s are completely free from the influence of tariffs on their prices! Unlike most second-hand stores, St. Vinnie’s also carries a massive selection of appliances refurbished by our in-house team, like-new furniture, and electronics — all of which are among the product categories hit hardest by tariff pricing in the retail marketplace.
In addition to realizing cost savings by avoiding tariffs, St. Vinnie’s customers are also supporting the environmental mission of St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County (SVdP) by helping keep materials in the supply chain and out of the waste stream. In 2024, the agency successfully diverted more than 20 million pounds of material from landfills through its donation centers and recycling operations.
St. Vinnie’s shoppers also help support the human-service mission of SVdP. Just as big-box retail prices rise in response to tariffs, there is also a growing lack of federal funding available for essential programs in Lane County. So, shopping St. Vinnie’s thrift stores helps keep the nonprofit’s services funded and operational. On average the SVdP voucher program, accessed through the Lindholm Social Service Office in Eugene, gives away more than $30,000 worth of goods each month or more than a half-million dollars each year to help neighbors in need. This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated shopper base that frequents St. Vinnie’s stores.
For consumers looking to save money, protect the environment, and help build a stronger community for everyone, St. Vinnie’s thrift stores remain at the top of the list for local businesses that deserve your support.