Gen Z and Millennials are the primary drivers, with roughly 70% of secondhand spending expected to come from these groups by 2029.
While marketed as a waste-reduction strategy, recent research in Scientific Reports suggests a "sustainability bias". Consumers who shop secondhand often dispose of clothes faster and actually buy more new items, supplementing rather than replacing primary market consumption. a store that buys used clothes
Recent data from Forbes highlights that men are adopting resale more aggressively than women, with 44% of men planning to shop resale in the next year compared to 34% of women. Gen Z and Millennials are the primary drivers,
Academic and industry analysis identifies two primary ways these stores operate: Recent data from Forbes highlights that men are
Re-commerce revenue reached $99 billion in 2024 and is expected to surge to $448 billion by 2029 . Digital platforms prioritize convenience through AI tools that compare listings and handle logistics.
Major brands are increasingly launching their own resale programs to capture this revenue, with 47% of consumers more likely to buy from a brand if they offer credit for trade-ins. Consumer Psychology and Barriers
Stores acquire goods through direct purchases from customers, consignment (paying the seller only after a sale), or donations. Modern platforms like ThredUp have automated this by providing "Clean Out Kits" to handle inspection and listing.
