Crossroads Trading Co is one of the most well-known second-hand clothing stores in the United States. Many people visit to sell clothes they no longer wear. Others shop there to find reasonable, pre-owned fashion. But what’s the real story in 2026? This guide will explain how it works, the pros and cons, what customers are saying, and why second hand fashion matters today.
Table of Contents
What Is Crossroads Trading Co?
Crossroads Trading Co is a resale store where people can sell, trade, or buy mildly used clothes and accessories. Instead of throwing clothing away, sellers bring items in and staff decide what they can buy. If accepted, you can walk away with either cash payments or store credit to shop at the store.
This makes Crossroads part of a larger resale and sustainability program that’s growing rapidly worldwide, as more people choose pre-owned clothing over new items.
How Selling Works (Step-by-Step)
- Bring your clothes to a store — you usually sign in on a waitlist.
- A buyer evaluates each piece — they look at condition, season, brand, and style.
- Get an offer — you choose either cash or store credit.
- Take home your offer or use credit on new pieces.
There’s also a mail-in selling option if you don’t have a store nearby. In that case, you send in a bag of clothes, and a Crossroads buyer reviews them.
What Customers Are Saying
Review sites and community posts show a mixed audience experience:
Good Things People Mention
- Shoppers sometimes find unique, stylish pieces for much less than new retail prices.
- For sellers, it’s very easy and quick — you don’t have to take photos, list items online, or pack shipments.
Common Complaints
- Many people feel the payouts are too low compared to the resale value they could get online.
- Some sellers report very few items accepted even when brands are listed on the site.
- At times, waiting for evaluation can be long, and decisions seem inconsistent.
- Trustpilot reviews show an average of around 2.8 out of 5 stars, reflecting mixed satisfaction.
A table helps break down the real user experience:
| Experience Aspect | Typical Feedback |
| Selection of Items Sold | Often picky, low acceptance |
| Payout (Cash/Credit) | Usually lower than online selling |
| Shopping Experience | Some great finds, prices can vary |
| Wait Time | Sometimes long |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews |
Why Resale Matters (Numbers Behind the Trend)
The secondhand clothing market is not just a fad — it’s a fast-growing global business:
- Second-hand apparel sales are expected to double to $77 billion by 2025.
- Around 52% of consumers have bought secondhand clothing, with many choosing resale for sustainability and savings.
- Global fashion resale is projected to continue growing faster than traditional retail, driven by younger shoppers who care about budget and climate impact.
This growth reflects a shift toward circular fashion, where used clothes stay in use longer, reducing waste.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Crossroads promotes sustainability as part of its mission. Their own sustainability statement highlights:
- Buying secondhand reduces demand for new clothing, lowering water, carbon, and waste footprints.
- Extending the life of garments, even by a few extra months, reduces environmental impact.
For example:
- Using a t-shirt four times can save nearly 75% of the water needed to make a new one.
This helps explain why resale is more than shopping — it’s part of a broader attempt to make fashion more eco-friendly.
Tips for Better Selling Success
Based on real user experiences and resale trends:
Bring items in good condition — clean, not damaged.
Try selling in season-appropriate times (e.g., jackets in fall).
Understand that popular and trendy brands are more likely to be accepted.
Expect lower offers than online resale apps like Poshmark or Depop.
Be realistic. Resale stores want items they can sell quickly and for a good margin.
Alternatives to Crossroads Trading Co
If you want more control or higher payouts, consider these options:
- Poshmark — list and price your own items online. Often higher payouts but more work.
- Depop or eBay — you set the price, reach a broader audience.
- Buffalo Exchange — similar in-store resale but sometimes pays more.
Each has advantages depending on how much time you want to invest and what price you want.
Concision
Crossroads Trading Co is a well-known part of the resale clothing landscape, especially for people who want a quick and easy way to sell or shop secondhand fashion. It won’t always pay the highest prices, but it’s a convenient option and part of a much bigger trend in circular, sustainable fashion.
FAQs
What is Crossroads Trading Co?
Crossroads Trading Co is a resale clothing store where you can buy, sell, or trade used clothes and accessories. They buy gently-used, trendy pieces and sell them at lower prices than new.
2. How do I sell my clothes there?
You can bring clothes into a Crossroads store and sign in on their selling list. A trained buyer checks your items, then offers you cash or store credit on the spot. There’s also a Sell-By-Mail program if you don’t live near a store.
3. Do I need an appointment to sell?
No appointment is required. You just show up, sign in, and wait your turn. Many people use the chain’s waitlist app to add their name before arriving.
4. What kinds of clothes does Crossroads buy?
Crossroads buys current, on-trend clothes in excellent condition — that means no stains, holes, or heavy wear. They take men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories (but not jewelry).
5. Do they buy out-of-season clothes?
They mostly buy clothing that matches current season trends — warmer items in winter and lighter ones in summer.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace official policies or personal advice. Crossroads Trading Co’s pricing, processes, and practices may change over time, so always check with the company directly for the most accurate details before making decisions. The opinions and experiences shared are based on available reports and should not be taken as guarantees of individual outcomes.
