The consumer appetite for pre-owned goods continues to accelerate, and new technologies that facilitate the buying and selling of secondhand items are boosting sales. According to ThredUp's 2025 resale report, U.S. secondhand apparel sales increased by 14% in 2024, significantly outpacing the overall apparel market growth. Retailers, particularly in sectors such as electronics and furniture, are recognizing the potential of resale to manage inventory and engage consumers. Increasingly, brands are adopting resale options to connect with new customers and enhance their relationship with existing ones, transforming resale into a strategic revenue-generating opportunity rather than just an environmental initiative. Terry Boyle, CEO of Trove, highlights a significant shift in sentiment toward resale, noting that companies are now viewing it as a profitable venture rather than merely an eco-friendly option.
Online resale purchases are rapidly gaining ground, with double-digit growth reported in the apparel market as well as an overall surge in sales. This trend is largely driven by new technology, including AI tools that simplify the process of finding secondhand goods. ThredUp has implemented features like image search, allowing consumers to find specific items easily. In addition, the ThredUp report indicates that a substantial portion of younger consumers are prioritizing secondhand apparel, further indicating a shift in purchasing habits. With this momentum, brands recognize that meeting the demand for pre-owned goods can be a lucrative strategy to increase customer engagement and loyalty, as well as to cultivate new customer bases.