Axios Twin Cities

May 13, 2025
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- We'll take another run at 90 today, NWS says.
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- Game 5 is at Target Center tomorrow night.
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Today's newsletter is 926 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Tariffs trigger search for secondhand savings
Twin Cities shoppers looking for savings and sustainability have lots of options thanks to the metro's thriving thrift store scene.
Why it matters: Buying second hand is an easy way to reduce shopping sticker shock without sacrificing quality or style.
State of the racks: Cost concerns related to inflation, President Trump's shifting tariff targets, supply chain issues and broader economic uncertainty are driving an uptick in business at thrift and consignment stores across the country.
What they're saying: While resale does well all the time, "it does even better during an economic turn down," Adele Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale Professionals, told Axios.
Case in point: Tom Canfield, who oversees local Salvation Army thrift stores, told WCCO last month that the retailer has seen an increase in foot traffic this year.
- "Shoppers are more savvy, and that's one of the reasons why we do so well," said Canfield, who has plans for five more metro-area stores.
Reality check: The popularity of secondhand shopping was on the rise before the onset of trade wars sent shockwaves through the economy.
Zoom in: A 2024 Recommerce Report from Offerup found that 35% of shoppers embarked on their first resale journey in the past year — an 8% year-over-year increase.
- A majority of shoppers said they turned to resale due to increased cost of living (58%) or cost savings compared to buying new (53%).
2. 🛍️ Bonus: Three thrift stores to check out
Here are three of our favorite under-the-radar independent spots to thrift in the Twin Cities:
🐈 Nine Lives Thrift (St. Paul): It's been open less than a year, but this bright, cheery and cat-themed West Seventh shop quickly became a top pick for unique modern and vintage clothing for all.
- Bonus: You may get to see shop dog Reba!
🏫 Old School (Minneapolis): The long-running nonprofit near downtown Minneapolis is an ideal stop for wacky items, home goods, books and clothing — and with most items under $10, it's one of the cheapest spots in the metro.
- Our tip: The jewelry section is the best in town.
🫶 Shop for Change (Golden Valley): With sales benefiting Golden Valley housing + food nonprofit PRISM, this store is known for its high-quality clothing, accessories, art and housewares for reasonable prices.
- There's always a tag sale for 50% off!
📲 Take a peek inside these gems via the @AxiosTwinCities Instagram.
3. 📈 Stocks rebound after tariff pause


Most of the Minnesota Fortune 500 public companies that took the biggest hit on the stock market from President Trump's April 2 tariff announcement have rebounded beyond pre-"Liberation Day" levels.
Why it matters: Trump's tariffs on China — which he rolled back yesterday from 145% to 30% for 90 days — had raised fears of supply shortages, layoffs and higher prices, including at Minnesota's largest companies.
- Target's Brian Cornell was among the retail CEOs who warned Trump of empty shelves if the tariffs remained in place.
Zoom in: Best Buy, which was hit hardest by the tariff announcement, has nearly recovered from the 16.8% tumble it took between April 1 and April 7.
Yes, but: Even the lowered tariffs "will still make for an expensive back to school and holiday season for most Americans," American Apparel and Footwear Association CEO Steve Lamar said in a statement.
- "If freight rates spike due to the tariff-induced shipping disruptions — which will take months to unwind — we could see costs and prices creep up even further," he added.
4. The Spoon: Republican rift sours dinner
🐘 No Minnesota Congressional Republicans were expected to attend the state GOP's annual fundraising dinner last night. They oppose new party leaders' coziness with a conservative grassroots group, anonymous sources told the Star Tribune.
- Chairman Alex Plechash denied the existence of any friction.
🫏 Minneapolis DFL Party members endorsed Ward 7 City Council candidate Elizabeth Schaffer over incumbent Katie Cashman — a noteworthy snub of a sitting council member. (Wedge LIVE! on Bluesky)
🕳️ A sinkhole on West Seventh Street near Xcel Energy Center will take two months to repair. (Pioneer Press)
📰 Minneapolis Voices laid off the journalists who wrote hyperlocal news for Southwest and downtown Minneapolis, but the sites will not entirely shut down. (Southwest Voices)
5. Quote du jour: Walz on Walz
"There's nothing wrong with showing emotions … If people are going to say there is something wrong with that, then those are not the people that I want to be associated with."— Gus Walz on the online critics who mocked his emotional reaction to his dad's 2024 DNC speech.
Walz, a high school senior, opened up about the moment and the attention that followed in his first nationally televised interview on CBS News yesterday.
6. Restaurant Roundup: Breakups & breakfast bad news
Cooks of Crocus Hill and Gavin Kaysen's bakery Bellecour are ending their five-year partnership on June 1, per a release.
- Kaysen plans to open two stand-alone Bellecour outposts this fall in or near their current locations.
🍳 Hey Bear! Cafe, the bargain breakfast joint off of University Avenue in St. Paul, is shutting down tomorrow after less than a year in operation, according to its Instagram account.
🥪 The chef behind Guacaya Bistreaux, the North Loop restaurant that abruptly closed late last month, plans to open North Star Deli in Kingfield, Southwest Voices reports.
7. 🦩 Beckham bent out of shape
Minnesota United FC trolled two international soccer superstars online this weekend.
What they're saying: After defeating Lionel Messi on the pitch Saturday, MNUFC's social media accounts labeled his team, Inter Miami, the "Pink Phony Club," and dragged Miami fans as casual trophy-chasers.
The other side: "Show a little respect @mnufc be elegant in triumph," Inter's co-owner David Beckham clapped back on Instagram.
The bottom line: <wordlessly taps the scoreboard>
🛍️ Kyle was reminded yesterday that it's now been more than ten years since he lived in Seattle — when "Thrift Shop" was still new.
🥜 Torey is snacking on these almonds.
📕 Nick is reading " The Glass Hotel."
This newsletter was edited by Geoff Ziezulewicz
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