How logistics must evolve to support the growing demand for pre-loved fashion

Reminiscent of the continued popularity of charity shops, thrift stores or vintage boutiques, the appetite for second hand clothes has been a constant for centuries, however in recent years a paradigm shift has moved this growing market into the mainstream.

Strengthening the pre-loved market’s viability as a mainstream retail option is crucial to making pre-loved fashion as accessible, efficient, and appealing as possible for a new generation of shoppers.

To keep pace with predicted demand and support the market’s rapid growth, fashion retailers need to ensure that their pre-loved items are not only delivered with the same reliability, speed, and care as new items but also that they establish a robust logistics infrastructure to support these efforts.

According to a recent report commissioned by ThreadUp 67 percent of millennials in the UK prefer to shop second hand. The Global Data for resale specialist also forecast that global sales of pre-owned clothes will reach $350 billion, up from $197 billion posted last year.

This shifting consumer behaviour is being driven largely by younger shoppers, namely Gen Z and Millennials – with the spending on second hand clothes in the UK alone extending into the low-billions last year.

Love Island changing its sponsorship partner to eBay, which has led to numerous high-profile influencers championing second hand fashion, as well as a growing awareness among younger shoppers regarding the environment, has propelled much of this growth in the UK in particular.

The cost-of-living crisis, and a climate-conscious generation that is increasingly wary of fast fashion and both the environmental and ethical implications of buying new are all driving factors behind the shift to second-hand clothing.

We see the pre-loved market as an ideal opportunity for brands to connect with a growing demographic that values circularity, cost-effectiveness and transparency in fashion, which is why embracing the resale market simply must be at the core of every retailer’s business strategy moving forward.

This isn’t just about responding to demand though; it’s about creating a new business model that actually aligns directly with the contemporary wants, needs and attitudes of modern-day consumers.

While shoppers may be willing to consolidate on the excitement of purchasing new clothing items, consumer expectations regarding the overall shopping experience, which includes prompt, flexible and timely delivery options, is not likely to shift.

All roads are pointing towards the pre-loved market being anything but a fleeting trend; it’s a movement that’s reshaping and redefining the entire fashion industry.

To put it into further perspective, almost a quarter of the average Briton’s wardrobe (23 percent) is made up of pre-owned items, rising to 34 percent among those aged between 18 and 34.

To meet this growing demand, logistics providers must first view the challenges fashion retailers face through the eyes of the consumer, as these expectations drive the entire experience. From this understanding, they can create a delivery approach that blends speed, reliability, and sustainability.