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Insight of the Day: Secondhand fashion offers better quality than new: report

Findings:

  • 62% of consumers surveyed in the 2024 OfferUp Recommerce Report believe that secondhand apparel offers better quality for the price compared to new retail items.

  • Almost a quarter of recommerce transactions involve clothing, footwear, and fashion accessories, and 71% of consumers find shopping for secondhand apparel enjoyable.

  • The recommerce market is expected to reach $291.6 billion by 2029, with resale projected to account for 8% of total retail.

Key Takeaway: The popularity of secondhand shopping is growing, driven by consumer perceptions of better quality, affordability, and eco-consciousness. Apparel is a key category where consumers feel they get better value when buying preowned items.

Trend: The resale market is rapidly expanding, especially for apparel, as consumers seek durable, stylish, and eco-friendly alternatives to new, fast-fashion items. This growth is expected to outpace the overall retail market in the coming years.

Consumer Motivation:

  • Affordability and value: Consumers are motivated by the desire to find premium, high-quality items at lower prices than new items.

  • Eco-consciousness: Growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion is pushing consumers to buy secondhand, emphasizing sustainability and durability.

Driving Trend:

  • Sustainability is a major factor driving the growth of recommerce, as consumers become more mindful of their environmental footprint.

  • The rising demand for higher-quality clothing at affordable prices, combined with the desire for unique and premium items, is pushing the recommerce market forward.

Who the Article is Referring To: The article focuses on U.S. consumers of all ages who are actively participating in the secondhand apparel market, with a growing number of people favoring secondhand purchases over new items.

Consumer Product or Service: The focus is on secondhand apparel, including clothing, footwear, and accessories, sold through peer-to-peer platforms like OfferUp, as well as online resale platforms like eBay and Vestiaire.

Conclusions: The secondhand apparel market is gaining traction, driven by consumer perceptions of quality, value, and sustainability. As recommerce continues to grow, traditional retailers may need to adapt to this shift in consumer behavior.

Implications for Brands:

  • Brands should consider incorporating resale models or collaborating with secondhand platforms to remain competitive.

  • Highlighting sustainable practices and offering durable, well-crafted products can help brands appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Implication for Society: The rise of recommerce reflects a societal shift toward sustainable consumption. As more consumers opt for secondhand items, there may be a broader move toward reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of fashion.

Implications for Consumers: Consumers will have access to higher-quality, affordable fashion through secondhand markets, encouraging more sustainable buying habits. The growing acceptance of preloved fashion helps reduce the stigma around buying secondhand.

Implication for the Future: Recommerce is expected to outpace traditional retail growth, with the secondhand market becoming a major player in the fashion industry. Retailers may increasingly focus on sustainability and durability to cater to consumers looking for eco-friendly options.

Consumer Trend: The primary trend is the rise of secondhand fashion as a desirable, eco-conscious, and cost-effective alternative to buying new.

Consumer Sub Trend: Within this trend, there is a growing focus on luxury resale and premium secondhand fashion, with consumers seeking well-crafted, durable items over fast fashion.

Big Social Trend: The shift toward sustainable living and conscious consumption is driving consumers to seek out secondhand and eco-friendly alternatives, reflecting a broader cultural movement toward reducing waste.

Local Trend: In local U.S. markets, there is increased activity in peer-to-peer resale platforms like OfferUp, as consumers look to buy and sell used clothing and accessories.

Worldwide Social Trend: Globally, the resale market is gaining momentum, with platforms like eBay and Vestiaire promoting secondhand luxury fashion and sustainable buying practices. This reflects a larger global push toward environmental responsibility and sustainable consumption.

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