♛The Side Hustle of Luxury Brands!

In partnership with

Hey VentureTaler - It’s Alex!

Welcome to our 15th VentureTale. If you only have 4 minutes and 46 seconds to read, don’t worry it’s enough!

The Industry

Second-hand fashion used to be a trendy lifestyle choice of vintage lovers and thrifters. Now it is a significant portion of the global fashion commerce industry and part of the modern consumer!

According to research, the global resale market is expected to reach $367B by 2029, growing 2.7x faster than the broader apparel industry. This isn’t just about sustainability though; it’s about affordability, individuality and digital convenience.

Europe specifically has seen a rapid increase due to its consumer behavior and regulatory frameworks introduced in the region. The second-hand market was worth €16B in 2021 and is expected to double this year, reaching $37B by 2033.

Who is riding this wave? Vinted. The Lithuanian startup is now handling over 90% of Europe’s C2C resale and managed to reach a €5 billion valuation in 2024.

• 80% of the sales are under £20

• 50% of UK users are repeat buyers

• In major markets, 37% of users say over half their wardrobe is pre-owned

That’s not niche behavior anymore; it’s mainstream shopping!

Also, with existing marketplaces like Vinted, PoshMark, Depop, Facebook Marketplace, Ebay etc. it is easier than ever to thrift online. 88% of second-hand apparel spending is online, expected to reach $40B by 2029, growing at 13% annually.

Among 18 to 44-year-olds, 48% now prioritize second-hand. 

At the same time, values are shifting:

• 65% of Europeans say they’re buying fewer, higher-quality clothes

• 72% are reducing clothing consumption overall

• EU’s Circular Textiles Strategy and Sustainability Reporting Directive are enhancing corporate and market adjustments