Are pre-loved purchases the way forward for fashion?
By Liv Leftwich
Since the pandemic began, most of us have become more cost-conscious when it comes to the way we shop. From budget-friendly steals to chic, charity shop finds – Covid-19 has engineered a shift in how we think about fashion – and most importantly, how we purchase it.
The second-hand retail market is home to several pre-loved platforms, ranging from traditional thrift stores to online re-sale websites. It’s estimated that 12 million UK consumers purchased a pre-loved item back in 2020. With a 404 percent yearly increase in sales since 2018 – the industry continues to grow at an exponential rate.
Pre-lockdown, companies such as BooHoo and Pretty Little Thing had been under fire for advocating the fast-fashion trend. Unsustainable resources coupled with unethical motives are having astronomical effects on the environment — encouraging consumers to re-evaluate their shopping habits.
Quality versus Quantity
The appeal of pre-loved luxury is that these pieces will stand the test of time. The value of designer goods is in the unique craftsmanship that goes into each individual item. Viewing fashion as an investment has become an integral part of the “shop less, buy better” mindset. Savvy consumers are latching onto the premise of buying to sell on – extending the lifecycle of their clothing.
Generational Shift
The younger generation are leading the way in boosting the circular economy for fashion business models. Last year’s COP-26 conference in Glasgow amplified the climate change crisis – a global issue, which is at the forefront of many millennials’ minds. There is less of a stigma amongst generation Z when it comes to second-hand shopping. As the Vice President of marketing and communications at ThredUp reports — buying used clothing is a way for them to “signal their values” about sustainability. Indeed, US company, The RealReal claimed that one third of users shop on the re-sale platform as an alternative to fast- fashion.
Expert Insights
We spoke to Claudine Larkin, Store Manager of luxury re-sale store and Chelsea hot-spot — Sign of The Times.

“I’ve seen so much change over the years in this industry — it’s ever-evolving. Since Covid, the public are becoming much more receptive to the pre-loved concept, which is brilliant”.
Also shedding light on the buoyancy of the second-hand market is Customer Delight and Trading Supervisor, Molly Haywood. We asked her about the ever-changing consumer demand and discussed why accessories will be an integral part of the upscale of re-sale. Read what Haywood had to say below:
“There was a massive online shopping boom in lockdown, particularly for luxury accessories — which was a big game changer for the industry”.

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She concluded that:
“If the top fashion houses continue to increase their prices, there is definitely the opportunity for re-sale to supersede retail. Clothing is still very much trend based. However, in my opinion, the biggest opportunity for growth is in the classic handbags and accessories – those timeless, staple pieces”.

While post-lockdown loungewear might be here to stay — styling a casual look with a luxury, statement handbag is a trend that will always transcend the test of time. Whether it be value for money or simply shopping smarter – the pre-loved market is garnering the attention of consumers and designers alike.