Amid a growing secondhand market in the UK, retailers must partner with resale platforms to meet the evolving demands of consumers, particularly younger generations. Saving money and efforts to be more sustainable are the biggest purchase motivators for secondhand shoppers and it is a necessity that retailers meet these demands through partnerships with resale platforms, if they are to retain younger consumer interest and succeed in the secondhand market.
66% of shoppers who purchased items secondhand did so to save money and find bargains, according to GlobalData’s January 2025 UK consumer survey, with the cost-of-living crisis a significant driver of secondhand market growth. While economic conditions are set to improve, a desire to be more sustainable will ensure this segment will continue to thrive.
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Unlike economic motivations, the demand for sustainable solutions will persist and grow, especially among younger consumers, who are increasingly aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions. These consumers are at the forefront of the secondhand market’s expansion. Familiar with digital secondhand platforms such as Depop and Vinted, they find secondhand shopping convenient and accessible. Retailers must recognise this enduring shift towards eco-conscious purchasing and adapt their strategies accordingly.
This would involve incorporating direct links to secondhand products on retailers’ websites or apps, setting up retailer profiles on digital resale platforms, and organising secondhand events and pop-up shops across stores to create excitement around the introduction of secondhand into retailers’ business models and boost engagement. Clothing and accessories is the most popular product category purchased by secondhand shoppers, as consumers frequently update their wardrobes to align with trends, seasons and weather conditions.
Zara has introduced its secondhand platform, Zara Pre-owned, where customers can request repairs for their items, or buy and sell Zara products. The move aims to capture secondhand spending from third-party platforms and retain it within the retailer. This initiative provides the fashion retailer with valuable insights into the popularity and wearability of its products, which can inform future product design decisions.
But the success of Zara Pre-owned remains limited, as although it appeals to those seeking specific older items, there are fewer reasons for consumers in general to choose this platform over Vinted and Depop. Third-party platforms typically offer a wider range of products from multiple sellers in various conditions and sizes, unlike Zara Pre-owned, which has limited stock. Retailers will benefit from partnering with dedicated reselling platforms instead of developing their own, as this approach is more cost-effective and streamlines the logistical process.
