Second-Hand Fashion Markets and the Rise of Recommerce Platforms

Abstract

The rapid expansion of second-hand fashion markets and recommerce platforms is reshaping global apparel consumption patterns. Driven by growing environmental awareness, digital marketplace innovation, and shifting consumer attitudes toward ownership, resale channels have transitioned from niche thrift markets to mainstream retail ecosystems. Online platforms now facilitate peer-to-peer resale, authenticated luxury exchanges, and brand-operated recommerce programs, expanding the lifecycle of garments and altering traditional value chains. the economic, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to the rise of recommerce in the fashion industry. Digital platforms leverage data analytics, mobile applications, and social media integration to streamline listing, pricing, and transaction processes. The resale model promotes circular economy principles by extending product use, reducing textile waste, and lowering demand for virgin resource extraction. At the same time, recommerce introduces new competitive pressures for primary retailers and reshapes pricing strategies and inventory planning.