It’s not surprising that over the past two years the pandemic has created a collective shift towards mindful living and conscious consumption. We have all started reevaluating how our daily choices and shopping habits directly impact those around us, and these factors are starting to drive the industry towards a more sustainable fashion economy.
According to thredUP’s 2021 Fashion Resale Market and Trend Report, 70% of consumers now believe that addressing climate change is more vital now than ever. And it is no secret that fashion supply chains are one of the most environmentally-taxing practices globally. While we’re still ways away from stopping new clothing production, the resale market provides a more sustainable way to move items that are no longer being worn back into circulation. This trend has really taken off with the younger generation and secondhand fashion has been named the fastest growing retail trend this decade (predicted to be a $77B industry by 2025.)
Retailers have started to notice. Even brands that are not natively “eco-friendly” realize the need to move towards a more sustainable future. If they don’t start acting now, they’ll be left behind by the sustainable generation, Gen Z, who now have nearly $150 billion in spending power.
Until recently, resale has been overlooked by traditional retail but is now playing a major role. This is because resale provides a more sustainable way to change up your style and keep clothing out of landfills. In fact, extending the life of even just one item through resale reduces its environmental impact by 82%. It’s also Gen Z approved, so brands have no choice but to consider it as part of their overall strategy.
Treet, a resale tech company that partners with brands to launch their own resale experiences, has seen a huge uptick this year. They launched dozens of new secondhand shops ahead of Earth Day 2022, and are not slowing down. Through Treet, brands provide a direct path for their customers to buy and sell gently used clothing and accessories and help them find a second home.
Of course, resale is only a part of the puzzle and should be paired with other sustainability initiatives to truly make an impact. The goal is to help brands produce less new stuff because the items they’ve already produced are living longer. Simply having a resale site does not make a brand uber sustainable, but it is absolutely a big step in the right direction (and something brands can do in a matter of weeks).
Check out Treet.co and book a free consultation to see how Treet can help your company work towards a more sustainable future through resale and beyond.
Bonus: Resale is not only sustainable, it’s profitable. Read how Coclico used Treet to unlock a new revenue stream and customers with resale in this case study.
