The vintage and resale clothing industry is experiencing a significant boom as more consumers turn to secondhand shopping for affordable, unique, and sustainable fashion options. Independent resellers and corporate giants alike are getting creative to meet the growing demand for used clothing. Mely Olmeda, owner of Virgo Santa Cruz in California, has doubled the size of her vintage store to 4,000 square feet since opening in 2022.
She sells a range of clothing, mostly from the early 2000s, and rents rack space to other vendors to help cover overhead costs. “It’s a foolproof setup,” Olmeda said. In 2023, apparel resale in the United States grew seven times the rate of the broader retail industry, with the used clothing market reaching $43 billion, up from about $23 billion in 2018.
Vintage clothing market sees growth
There are now over 25,000 resale stores in the country, and secondhand apparel sales increased by approximately 11 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. Retail giants such as Banana Republic, Madewell, H&M, REI, and Goodwill are also entering the resale game.
Online consignment platforms have collaborated with big retailers like Lululemon, J. Crew, and Abercrombie & Fitch to resell their used clothing. While online platforms like the RealReal and Etsy’s Depop are popular, many shoppers still prefer to see, feel, and try on pieces in person, making brick-and-mortar stores essential to the resale business model.
The secondhand clothing industry encompasses a wide range of stores, from national chains to small businesses and nonprofits, catering to various price points and styles. As the demand for vintage and used clothing continues to grow, the resale industry is expected to thrive, offering consumers more affordable, unique, and environmentally friendly fashion choices.
