Chicago’s secondhand shops say they’re seeing a surge in sales as rising prices fueled by tariffs push some people away from buying new clothes and accessories.

For some, buying secondhand has long been a budget-friendly alternative. Resale stores and websites have seen business steadily grow the past few years. But President Donald Trump’s trade war appears to have accelerated a shift by some people to seeking secondhand goods.

Shop owners say they hope to see business keep growing even as they face cost increases on supplies like gift bags and tissue paper.

Richard Biasi, who owns Richard’s Fabulous Finds in Humboldt Park, said sales are up roughly 20% over this time last year. The vintage menswear shop offers clothing including suits from the 1970s and 1980s, hats, ties and pocket sq

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