Second-hand e-commerce is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in retail as shoppers around the world turn to resale platforms for better prices, more variety and a more sustainable way to shop. Fashion and apparel sit at the heart of this shift, but categories like books, music, and games are also seeing strong demand in the pre-loved economy.
Second-hand fashion heads toward 350 billion dollars
Globally, the second-hand apparel market alone is expected to reach over 350 billion U.S. dollars by 2028. This reflects how quickly resale has moved from niche behavior to a mainstream way of buying clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Fashion and apparel account for a large portion of what is being resold worldwide, driven by shoppers who want trend-led or vintage pieces at a fraction of full price. With inflation and cost-of-living pressures in many countries, pre-loved fashion offers a way to refresh wardrobes without paying premium retail.
E-commerce in the United States tops 275 billion dollars
In the United States, online commerce across all categories is projected to reach over $ 275 billion in resale volume by 2028. This includes apparel, electronics, home goods, media, and more, sold through platforms that specialize in pre-owned items. Up to 33 percent of U.S.
consumers used online resale websites in 2023, indicating the growing prevalence of buying and selling second-hand goods through digital channels. As more consumers get used to reselling items instead of discarding them, recommerce volumes are expected to keep climbing.
Why shoppers go second-hand Saving money is the top reason consumers globally say they buy more second-hand items. Many shoppers are using resale to stretch their budgets, especially in categories like apparel, where they want frequent newness.
Variety and uniqueness are also major drivers, as second-hand platforms offer access to past-season pieces, rare items, and styles not available in regular retail. For a growing group of consumers, sustainability is another key motivator…
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