The Polish second-hand market in 2026: Statistics, trends, and forecasts

1. Introduction: From "Thrift Shops" to Business Strategy

The Polish second hand market has undergone a spectacular transformation over the last decade. What was ten years ago the domain of people seeking only savings is now a dynamic retail sector driven by technology, ecological awareness, and changing consumption patterns. In 2026, the Polish second hand product market reached maturity, no longer an alternative but a full-fledged player in the fashion industry.

The cultural paradigm shift is perhaps the most important phenomenon of recent years. Buying used items has shed the stigma of "poverty" or "shame" – it has become a statement of values, an expression of identity and lifestyle. For Generation Z and younger Millennials, shopping for used clothing is not a compromise but a conscious choice that combines economy, ecology, and aesthetics. Circular fashion has become not only a trend but the foundation of a new approach to consumption.

The Polish circular economy market has adapted to these changes – from global platforms to local businesses like FajneCiuchy24.pl, which since 2020 has offered carefully selected women’s clothing, men’s clothing, and children’s clothing from renowned brands. Such stores show that professionalization of the second hand sector goes hand in hand with preserving the authenticity and unique character of second hand shopping.

The economic significance of the re-commerce market in the Polish economy is steadily increasing. It is estimated that in 2026 the value of the Polish second hand market will exceed 12 billion zlotys, representing about 14-15% of the entire clothing market in the country. This is a growth of over 25% year on year, a pace far surpassing traditional clothing retail, which is experiencing stagnation or decline.

The ecological dimension is becoming critically important in the context of EU regulations. From January 2025, municipalities in Poland are required to organize selective textile collection, marking a breakthrough in the circular economy approach. The circular fashion sector naturally fits into these changes, offering a real alternative to the fast fashion model, which accounts for about 10% of global CO2 emissions.

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2. Statistics 2026: Hard Data on Dynamic Growth

2.1. Market Value and Growth Rate

Total value of the second hand market in Poland (2026): 12.3 billion PLN
Share of total retail clothing market: 14.8%
Year-on-year growth rate (2025-2026): +26.4%

For comparison, in 2024 the market value was about 9.5 billion PLN, which means that over two years the second-hand product sector grew by almost 30%. Forecasts for 2025-2026 assumed maintaining double-digit growth dynamics, which was fully realized.

Growth dynamics in 2021-2026:

• 2021: 5.8 billion PLN
• 2022: 7.2 billion PLN (+24%)
• 2023: 8.6 billion PLN (+19%)
• 2024: 9.5 billion PLN (+10%)
• 2025: 9.7 billion PLN (+2%, a year of stabilization after the pandemic)
• 2026: 12.3 billion PLN (+26%)

2.2. Market Structure by Category

Market value breakdown by product categories (2026):

• Women's clothing: 48% (5.9 billion PLN)
• Men's clothing: 24% (2.95 billion PLN)
• Children's clothing: 11% (1.35 billion PLN)
• Refurbished electronics: 9% (1.1 billion PLN)
• Furniture and interior equipment: 5% (615 million PLN)
• Books and media: 2% (246 million PLN)
• Other (jewelry, accessories, sports): 1% (123 million PLN)

The dominance of used clothing is obvious, but it is worth noting the dynamic growth of the electronics (refurbished) segment, which is growing the fastest (+42% year-on-year) thanks to increasing consumer awareness and the development of platforms specializing in refurbished devices.

In the second-hand clothing segment, stores like FajneCiuchy24.pl focus on variety – offering both new arrivals and sales, which allows reaching a wide range of customers with different budgets and style preferences.

2.3. Average Shopping Basket

Average online basket value: 87 PLN
Average offline basket value (physical stores): 134 PLN
Average number of transactions per user per year: 8.4

The basket in physical stores is higher because consumers usually buy more products at once (more often outerwear, jackets, coats), while online impulse purchases and single items dominate (blouses, accessories).

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3. Consumer Profile: Who Buys in Second Hand Stores?

3.1. Demographics

Age distribution of second-hand market users (2026):

• 18-25 years (Gen Z): 38%
• 26-35 years (younger Millennials): 34%
• 36-45 years (older Millennials): 18%
• 46-55 years (Gen X): 7%
• 56+ years: 3%

Gender:
Women: 68% | Men: 32%

Education:
Higher education: 54% | Secondary education: 38% | Vocational/basic education: 8%

Place of residence:
Cities with over 100k inhabitants: 62%
Towns with 20-100k inhabitants: 24%
Rural areas and small towns: 14%

3.2. Purchase Motivations

Contrary to popular belief, price is no longer the only or even the main reason for choosing to buy second-hand products. Consumer research from 2026 shows three equally important motivation groups:

1. Seeking uniqueness and expressing style (42%)
Consumers, especially from Generation Z, see circular fashion stores as places to discover unique, unusual wardrobe pieces that allow them to stand out from the crowd. In the era of mass production, authenticity and uniqueness have become the most desired traits. That’s why more and more people are looking for vintage and retro wardrobe items.

2. Environmental awareness and sustainable development (36%)
As many as 63% of Millennials and nearly 80% of Gen Z declare active efforts to minimize their environmental impact. Buying used clothing is seen as a concrete, measurable contribution to fighting climate change and overproduction. Circular fashion has become a lifestyle for conscious consumers in the second-hand market.

3. Economy and smart shopping (22%)
Although price remains important, today it’s more about "value for money" – buying high-quality products (often premium brands) at an attractive price, rather than saving out of necessity. Branded used products in excellent condition are the essence of smart shopping.

3.3. Purchase Channels

Transaction value breakdown by channels (2026):

• Online: 72% (8.86 billion PLN)
• Offline: 28% (3.44 billion PLN)

The dominance of the online channel in the second-hand market is clear and still growing. In 2024, the online channel accounted for 68% of the used clothing market value. It is expected to reach 78-80% by 2029.

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4. Sales Channels: The Polish Re-Commerce Ecosystem

4.1. Online Channel – Dominant Platforms

Market shares of the main players in the second-hand market (by number of transactions, 2026):

1. Vinted: 54%
2. OLX: 24%
3. Allegro (used category): 13%
4. Specialist and niche stores: 6%
5. Facebook Marketplace: 3%

Vinted has strengthened its position as the leader in the second-hand fashion segment thanks to its specialization in fashion, intuitive interface, and business model where sellers pay no commission. The platform has also expanded its offerings to include electronics, furniture, and accessories, becoming a universal marketplace for the circular economy.

OLX remains the second most important platform for selling second-hand products, especially in categories other than fashion (furniture, electronics, appliances). Its advantage is the local nature of transactions and the option for personal pickup.

Specialist circular fashion stores, such as FajneCiuchy24.pl, represent a growing market segment (6% share). Thanks to product curation, quality guarantees, and specialization in specific categories (shoes, bags, sportswear), they offer a shopping experience closer to traditional e-commerce but with the values of circular fashion. Customers appreciate quality assurance, detailed product descriptions, and professional service in online second-hand stores.

Allegro is competing for market share in used clothing through dedicated sections for used products and "trade-in" programs in cooperation with electronics brands. In 2026, Allegro launched a premium used product certification service, which increased consumer trust.

4.2. Offline Channel – Evolution of Brick-and-Mortar Stores

The number of brick-and-mortar stores with used clothing has been stable for several years. In 2026, about 13,500 stores operate in Poland (compared to 14,000 in 2024 and over 15,000 in 2020). This is a decline of about 1-2% annually.

However, this does not mean the end of the offline channel – on the contrary, it is undergoing professionalization and segmentation:

Chains (UFF, Humana, Less):
Large chains are modernizing their stores, introducing loyalty programs, mobile apps to check product availability, and organizing events (themed sales, "happy hours"). UFF currently has 120+ locations in Poland, Humana about 80.

Vintage boutiques and curated circular stores:
The number of small, highly curated stores offering selected vintage used clothing, often from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, is increasing. These are places for connoisseurs and seekers of unique gems. Prices are higher (average transaction: 250-400 PLN), but quality and uniqueness attract wealthier customers.

Premium consignment shops:
They specialize in reselling luxury brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès). They offer authenticity confirmed by certificates and concierge services. The market for luxury second-hand products in Poland is growing by 35-40% annually.

Hybrid stores:
More and more circular stores combine online and offline channels. FajneCiuchy24.pl also runs a physical store in Warsaw (Pasaż Ursynowski 3), where customers can personally view products, try on clothes, and pick up orders placed online. This "click & collect" model in used clothing stores is gaining popularity, combining the convenience of online shopping with the option to physically interact with the product.

Pop-up stores and shop-in-shops:
Fashion brands (e.g., Reserved, H&M) are testing "store-in-store" models where part of the space is dedicated to used clothing from trade-in programs. This is a way to educate consumers and build the image of a responsible brand aligned with circular fashion principles.

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5. Trends 2026: What Drives the Second Hand Market?

5.1. Consumer Trends

Conscious Consumption (Świadoma Konsumpcja)
Environmental awareness is no longer niche – it’s mainstream. Consumers want to know where a product comes from, who made it, and its carbon footprint. Brands that aren’t transparent lose customers. The second hand market answers these expectations.

Impact of Social Media and Influencer Marketing
TikTok and Instagram are the main channels promoting pre-owned product shopping. Hashtags like #secondhandfind, #vintagehaul, #thrifting have billions of views. Influencers post "hauls" from second hand stores, showing how to find treasures for pennies. Algorithms reward authenticity, and shopping in used clothing stores is seen as "cool" and "edgy."

Luxury Resale – The New Prestige
Buying used Hermès bags or Rolex watches is no longer embarrassing – it’s smart shopping. Platforms with second hand items like Vinted have introduced dedicated sections for luxury pre-owned products, and 44% of Poles are willing to spend 500-1000 EUR on a high-end used handbag.

Personalizing Shopping in Second Hand Stores
Consumers expect personalized experiences. Online stores invest in product recommendation systems based on purchase history and style preferences. Newsletters with promotions tailored to individual needs are becoming standard.

5.2. Technology Trends

AI in Pricing and Categorization
AI-based systems automatically price products based on photos, recognize brands, product condition, and market trends. Vinted and Allegro use AI to suggest selling prices for used clothing and to moderate listings on their platforms.

AR (Augmented Reality) in Fitting Rooms
Virtual fitting rooms allow buyers to see how a second hand garment will look on their figure. This technology is still in the pilot phase in Poland but is already being tested by the largest second hand platforms.

Blockchain in Authenticating Premium Products
For luxury products, blockchain technology is used to confirm authenticity. Every second hand product has a digital certificate that travels with it throughout its lifecycle.

Chatbots and Offer Personalization
AI chatbots help users find exactly what they’re looking for in used clothing stores and suggest products based on purchase history and style preferences.

5.3. Business Trends

Premium Brand Trade-In Programs
More and more fashion brands are launching buyback programs for used products of their own brand, supporting the growth of circular fashion. Customers receive a voucher for new purchases, and the brand gains control over the product’s lifecycle. Examples: Reserved Re-Loved, H&M Garment Collecting.

Subscription and Rental Models
Subscriptions for used clothing (e.g., "Unlimited Wardrobe") allow renting clothes for a monthly fee. This model is ideal for people who want to change their style often but don’t want to accumulate items.

Partnerships with Influencers and Brands
Platforms like Vinted and OLX form partnerships with influencers and brands, organizing joint campaigns, contests, and charity events (e.g., selling a celebrity’s wardrobe for charity), promoting circular fashion.

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6. Barriers and Challenges

6.1. Logistics and Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are one of the main barriers in the second hand market, especially for inexpensive products. Sending a blouse for 20 PLN when shipping costs 15 PLN is unprofitable. Platforms negotiate rates with couriers (Vinted has a deal with InPost, which lowers costs). Stores like FajneCiuchy24.pl offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount, which increases the average cart value.

6.2. Authenticity and Trust

For luxury products, ensuring authenticity is crucial. Fake second hand items undermine trust in the entire market. Platforms invest in verification systems (e.g., expert teams evaluating premium products). Specialty stores build trust through transparency – each product has a detailed condition description, measurements, and photos from various angles.

6.3. Competition from Fast Fashion (Shein, Temu)

Platforms like Shein and Temu offer new clothes at prices comparable to or even lower than used clothing. This poses a threat to the "value shopping" segment of the second hand market. The response is consumer education about the environmental impact of fast fashion and promoting circular fashion. Quality arguments (durability, better materials) and ecological reasons are key in this fight.

6.4. Legal Aspects – DAC7 Directive

From July 2024, the DAC7 Directive requires platforms selling used items to report user data to the National Tax Administration for those who:

• They completed at least 30 transactions per year AND
• They earned over 2000 EUR (about 8600 PLN)

For people occasionally selling second hand products (e.g., clearing out a wardrobe), there are no concerns. However, professional sellers must register a business and pay taxes. The directive initially caused a drop in listings, but the market adapted, and honest sellers gained a competitive advantage.

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7. Detailed Segments of the Second Hand Market

7.1. Used Clothing – Premium vs Mass

Mass Market Segment (Zara, H&M, Reserved):
Dominates in terms of transaction volume in the circular fashion market. Average price: 25-60 PLN. Buyers are young people looking for deals and trendy wardrobe pieces. The most popular items in this category are t-shirts, sweatshirts, and pants.

Premium Segment (Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein):
Average price of used clothing: 150-400 PLN. A growing segment of the secondary market, driven by Millennials and Gen X who value quality and durability in circular fashion. Popular items include men’s shirts and blazers from well-known brands.

Luxury Segment (Gucci, Prada, Chanel):
Average price of second hand products: 800-5000 PLN. The fastest growing segment of the secondary market (+40% year-on-year). Consumers are usually affluent professionals aged 30-50 who view the purchase as an investment. Luxury handbags and accessories are especially sought after.

7.2. Refurbished Electronics

The refurbished electronics market in Poland in 2026 is worth about 1.1 billion PLN. The main categories are:

• Smartphones (54%)
• Laptops (28%)
• Tablets (12%)
• Gaming consoles and accessories (6%)

Platforms specializing in refurbished electronics (e.g., Refurbed, Back Market) offer warranties up to 24 months, which increases consumer trust. Ecology is a key argument here – one refurbished smartphone saves about 47 kg of CO2.

7.3. Second Hand Footwear

Used shoes are an important segment of the circular fashion market. Consumers look for branded footwear (Nike, Adidas, Timberland) at attractive prices. Second hand stores like FajneCiuchy24.pl offer a wide selection – from sports shoes, through elegant heels, to boots and winter shoes. Each pair is carefully described in terms of size and condition, minimizing the risk of mistakes when buying online in second hand stores.

7.4. Furniture and Restoration

Vintage furniture (60s, 70s, PRL era) is experiencing a renaissance. Poles eagerly buy old second hand furniture and restore it. DIY content showing how to refresh an old armchair or dresser is booming on YouTube and TikTok. The used furniture market grows by 18% annually.

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8. Environment and Sustainable Development

8.1. Carbon Footprint

The fashion industry accounts for about 10% of global CO2 emissions. Producing one new cotton T-shirt generates about 2.1 kg of CO2. Buying used clothing almost entirely eliminates this footprint (only transport emissions remain).

In 2026, Poles saved about 240,000 tons of CO2 by buying products in second hand stores – equivalent to emissions from driving over 1 billion kilometers. Circular fashion directly contributes to emission reduction.

8.2. Consumer Education

Educational campaigns (e.g., "Less Waste, More Style" run by Vinted and NGOs) raise ecological awareness of circular fashion principles. Schools are introducing educational projects on the circular economy.

Online second hand stores, such as FajneCiuchy24.pl, actively engage in consumer education through blogs and social media, explaining the benefits of buying used clothing and sharing tips on caring for and styling second hand clothes.

8.3. Product Life Cycle

The idea of the circular economy is to extend the product life cycle. Instead of "buy – use – throw away," it promotes the model "buy – use – resell – someone else uses – repair – recycle." Second hand platforms are a natural bridge in this circular fashion chain.

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9. Forecasts 2027-2030: Where Is the Second Hand Market Heading?

9.1. Market Value Growth

Forecasted value of the second hand market:

• 15.2 billion PLN (+23% y/y)
• 18.5 billion PLN (+22% y/y)
• 22.1 billion PLN (+19% y/y)
• 25.8 billion PLN (+17% y/y)

By 2029, one in three wardrobe items bought in Poland will come second hand. The online second hand market value will double to over 18 billion PLN.

9.2. Technological Innovations in the Second Hand Market

• AI as a standard shopping assistant: Every second hand store user will have a personal AI stylist to help find the perfect products in stores with used clothing.
• Virtual wardrobes: Apps where users catalog their wardrobe, get styling suggestions, and easily resell unwanted items on second hand platforms.
• Integration with IoT: Smart mirrors in second hand store fitting rooms that show how a given second hand garment looks in different styles.

9.3. EU Regulations

• Mandatory extended producer responsibility (EPR): Producers will have to finance textile collection and recycling systems, supporting circular fashion and the second hand market.
• Digital product passports: Every textile product will have a digital passport with information about composition, origin, and repair options.
• Ban on destroying unsold products: Brands will have to return unsold products for reuse instead of destroying them, increasing supply in the second hand market.

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10. Case Studies: Successes from the Polish Second Hand Market

Case Study 1: Vinted – From Startup to Second Hand Leader

Context:
Vinted, a Lithuanian platform founded in 2008, entered the Polish market in 2013. Initially, it struggled with competition from local players, but thanks to persistence and venture capital funding (over 500 million USD invested), it became the dominant player in the used clothing segment.

Key success factors:

• Business model where sellers pay no commission (only buyers pay fees – "buyer protection fee")
• Intuitive interface and mobile app for the second hand platform
• The platform’s social nature (ability to follow, comment, like)
• Marketing campaigns with influencers promoting circular fashion

Results:
In 2026, Vinted has over 8 million active users in Poland (20% of the population!). More than 80 million transactions of second hand products take place on the platform annually.

Case Study 2: FajneCiuchy24.pl – Professionalizing the Second Hand Market

Context:
FajneCiuchy24.pl is a Polish online second hand store founded in 2020, which over 6 years has become one of the leading players in the curated online stores segment with used clothing.

Key success factors:

• High product curation – every wardrobe item is carefully checked, priced, and described
• Specialization in branded used clothing (premium brands)
• Wide category range: women’s clothing, men’s, children’s, shoes, bags
• Hybrid model: online store + physical location in Warsaw (Pasaż Ursynowski 3)
• Transparent return policy and excellent customer service
• Regular sales and new arrivals
• The store maintains a 4.8/5 star rating in customer reviews.

Case Study 3: The "Reserved Re-Loved" Program

Context:
Reserved, the largest Polish fashion brand (LPP Group), launched the trade-in program "Reserved Re-Loved" in 2024, promoting the principles of circular fashion. Customers can donate used clothing of any brand in Reserved stores and receive a 15% voucher for new purchases.

Key success factors:

• Consumer education about the circular economy and circular fashion
• Ease of donation – boxes in every Reserved store
• Attractive voucher as a reward
• Transparency – customers know that donated clothes go to charities or are recycled

Results:
Within the first 18 months, 320 tons of textiles were collected. The program increased customer loyalty and improved the brand’s image in the context of circular fashion.

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11. Business Recommendations for the Second Hand Market

For Sellers and Start-ups:

1. Specialize: Don’t try to compete with Vinted on their own turf. Find a niche in the second hand market (e.g., 90s vintage, premium sports used clothing, eco-friendly children’s clothing) and become an expert in it.
2. Authenticity and storytelling: Consumers, especially Gen Z, want to know the story of a second-hand product. Who was the previous owner? Where does it come from? Why is this garment special?
3. Use social media: TikTok and Instagram are your best marketing tools for second hand stores. Post authentic content, collaborate with micro-influencers (5-50k followers), promoting circular fashion.
4. Focus on customer experience: Fast product shipping, clean and well-packaged items, friendly communication – these are essential. A negative review can ruin a second hand store’s reputation.
5. Invest in technology: If you run a used clothing platform, AI for product pricing and categorization is a must-have. If you have an offline store, consider CRM systems and loyalty programs.

For Investors:

1. The secondary goods market still has huge growth potential: A CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 18-22% over the next 5 years makes the second hand sector a great investment.
2. Focus on premium and luxury resale segments: These are the most profitable niches in the used clothing market, with margins reaching 40-60%.
3. Technology is the future: Invest in startups developing AI for pricing second hand products, blockchain for authentication, and AR for virtual fitting rooms in second hand stores.
4. Logistics and fulfillment: Second hand platforms that solve shipping cost issues (e.g., through their own network of pickup points) will gain a competitive edge in the circular fashion market.
5. ESG and impact investing: Investments in second hand have measurable environmental and social impact, making them attractive to ESG funds.

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12. Summary

The Polish second hand market in 2026 is a mature, dynamic sector worth 12.3 billion PLN, growing over 26% annually. Driven by Generation Z and Millennials, who combine the search for uniqueness with environmental awareness, it has become a full-fledged retail segment rather than a marginal alternative.

The online channel dominates (72% of the used clothing market value), with Vinted, OLX, Allegro, and specialist stores like FajneCiuchy24.pl as the main players. Brick-and-mortar second hand clothing stores are undergoing transformation – their numbers are decreasing, but quality and specialization are increasing.

Challenges in the used goods market include logistics, authentication of premium products, and competition from ultra-cheap fast fashion. However, EU regulations (DAC7, EPR, digital product passports) along with growing environmental awareness and the popularity of circular fashion are working in favor of the secondary market.

The outlook is optimistic: by 2030, the value of the second hand market could exceed 25 billion PLN, and one in three clothing items purchased in Poland will come from second hand.

For entrepreneurs and investors, the resale market is full of opportunities – from niche vintage boutiques with used clothing to advanced technology platforms. The key to success in the used goods market is specialization, authenticity, technology use, and a deep understanding of the values that matter to consumers today: uniqueness, responsibility, and smart shopping.

The Polish secondhand product market is no longer an alternative – it is the new normal. Circular fashion and secondhand stores have become the foundation of responsible consumption and the key to a sustainable future for Polish retail.

13. Circular Fashion Market Worldwide: A Global Revolution

The Polish re-commerce market does not operate in isolation – it is part of a global phenomenon redefining the fashion industry across all continents. The value of the global used clothing and circular fashion market reached over $317 billion in 2026 and is growing 2-3 times faster than the new clothing market.

13.1. Scale of the Global Market

Value of the global resale fashion market (2026):

• Total market: $210-317 billion (depending on calculation methodology)
• Forecast for 2035: $581 billion
• CAGR (2025-2035): 10,7-12,4%

For comparison: the global "new" clothing market grows only 2-3% annually, while the used clothing sector shows growth exceeding 10-15% annually. Analysts predict that by 2029 the resale market will surpass the value of fast fashion.

According to the State of Fashion 2026 report, used clothing sales will grow two to three times faster than new clothing sales over the next two years, reaching $317 billion.

13.2. Geographic Breakdown: Where Is It Growing Fastest?

Regional shares in the global re-commerce market (2026):

1. North America: 32% (~$100 billion)

• US dominance, where over 61% of consumers actively participate in used or thrift shopping
• Leading platforms: ThredUp, Poshmark, The RealReal, Depop
• Average annual secondhand purchase value per person: ~$380
• Key trends: luxury resale (+42%), brand integration with trade-in programs

2. Europe: 28% (~$88 billion)

• About 59% of European consumers prefer used clothing due to sustainability
• Leader: France (Vinted became the largest retailer in the country by volume in 2024)
• Strong markets: Germany, UK, Poland, Scandinavian countries
• Regulatory push: EU Directive on digital product passports, ban on destroying unsold clothes

3. Asia Pacific: 30% (~$95 billion)

• Fastest growing region (CAGR ~12-15%)
• Countries like China, India, and Japan lead the market due to large populations and growing acceptance of pre-owned clothing
• China: Xianyu (Alibaba), YCloset
• Japan: Mercari, Zozoused – deeply rooted vintage culture
• India: Elanic, CoutLoot – driven by economic factors
• In 2024, the market value in the Asia-Pacific region was about 54 billion USD, expected to reach 164.5 billion USD by 2034

4. Middle East and Africa: 10% (~32 billion USD)

• Emerging market driven by affordability
• Kenya: one of the largest "mitumba" (second-hand clothing) markets in Africa
• 10% of Kenya’s workforce (2 million people) works in the clothing resale industry

13.3. Major Global Platforms

Platform ranking by GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) and reach:

1. Vinted (Europe)

• Revenue 2024: 813 million EUR (+36% y/y)
• Net profit: 76.7 million EUR (4x year-over-year growth)
• Valuation: ~8 billion EUR
• Expansion strategy: USA (London-New York connections), new product categories
• Model: sellers don’t pay commission, only buyers ("buyer protection fee")

2. ThredUp (USA)

• GMV 2024: ~970 million USD
• Revenue: 322 million USD
• ThredUp reported that the number of new buyers in Q1 2025 increased by 95% compared to last year
• RaaS model (Resale-as-a-Service): partnerships with brands (Levi's, Madewell, Patagonia)
• Challenge: striving for profitability (net loss of ~71 million USD in 2023)

3. Depop (UK/USA, owned by Etsy)

• GMV 2024: 788 million USD
• Revenue: ~85 million USD
• 90% of active Depop users are under 26 years old
• Model: "Instagram for shopping" – focus on high-quality photos and influencers
• Acquisition by Etsy (2021): 1.6 billion USD

4. Poshmark (USA, owned by Naver)

• GMV: ~1.7 billion USD
• Social selling model – strong community features
• Acquired by South Korean Naver (2023) after a disappointing IPO
• Competition: declining in favor of Vinted and Depop

5. The RealReal (USA – luxury)

• GMV 2023: 1.7 billion USD
• Revenue: 549 million USD
• The RealReal reported 11% year-over-year revenue growth in Q1
• Specialization: authentication of luxury products
• Challenge: striving for profitability (loss of ~168 million USD in 2023)

6. Vestiaire Collective (France – luxury)

• GMV 2023: 888 million USD (824 million EUR)
• Revenue: 164 million USD
• Mission: "transforming the fashion industry for a more sustainable future"
• Investors: Kering, Condé Nast, private equity funds

13.4. Global Consumer Trends

Gen Z and Millennials as growth drivers:

• About 40% of Generation Z buyers purchased pre-owned clothing last year
• 62% of Generation Z buyers prefer sustainable brands
• For young consumers, buying used items is not an economic compromise but a conscious stylistic and ecological choice

Luxury Resale – the new prestige:

• The luxury resale market accounts for 27% of the luxury goods market
• Platforms like Vestiaire, The RealReal offer authentication for Hermès bags, Rolex watches
• Buying used luxury is now "smart shopping," not "saving out of necessity"

"Thrifting" as a social trend:

• 3 out of 4 consumers buying secondhand identify as "thrifters" and like to show it off
• 74% say used clothing is more socially acceptable today than 5 years ago
• TikTok and Instagram: hashtags #thrifting, #secondhandfind have billions of views

13.5. Global Environmental Impact

The fashion industry accounts for about 2.1 billion tons of CO2e emissions annually. Buying used clothing avoids emissions related to producing new garments:

• For every 100 used clothes bought, 60-85 new products are replaced, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and toxin use
• Vinted in its 2023 report calculated that their platform helped avoid emissions of 678,691 tons of CO2e, or 1.25 kg CO2e per secondhand purchase
• One refurbished smartphone saves ~47 kg of CO2

However, experts warn: growth in used clothing sales is additive for companies and does not replace new goods production, so without a commitment to reduce new clothing production, we will not see reductions in energy use and post-consumer waste.

13.6. Global Industry Challenges

Profitability challenge:
Most major resale platforms are still fighting for profitability:

• ThredUp: loss of $71 million (2023)
• The RealReal: loss of $168 million (2023)
• Vestiaire Collective: negative EBITDA of $33 million

Only Vinted reached profitability (2023 – first full year of net profit). Causes of difficulties:

• High logistics costs (especially delivery)
• Authentication costs (for premium products)
• Competition for sellers and buyers

Market consolidation:

• Depop → acquired by Etsy for $1.6 billion (2021)
• Poshmark → acquired by Naver (2023)
• Vestiaire Collective merged with Tradesy (2022)

The trend shows that smaller platforms struggle to survive independently.

Competition from ultra-cheap fast fashion:
Platforms like Shein, Temu offer new clothes often at prices lower than secondhand products, which threatens the "budget shopping" segment.

13.7. Regulations and Institutional Support

European Union:

• Digital Passport Directive (implemented from 2026): every textile product will have a digital passport with information about composition, origin, and repair options
• Ban on destroying unsold products (France as a pioneer): brands must return unsold products for reuse
• EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): producers finance textile collection and recycling systems

USA:
ThredUp and Vestiaire Collective in a petition (August 2024) protest against double taxation of used clothing, which poses a barrier to the industry's growth.

13.8. Global Forecasts to 2035

Main forecasts:

• Market value will reach 581 billion USD by 2035 (CAGR ~10.7%)
• The used clothing market will surpass fast fashion by 2029
• Online will account for >80% of transaction value (currently ~70-72%)
• AI and automation will dominate pricing, categorization, and personalization
• Blockchain will become the standard for authenticating luxury products

Key growth regions:

1. Asia-Pacific – fastest growth thanks to a young population, digitization, and a growing middle class
2. Europe – steady growth driven by regulations and environmental awareness
3. North America – mature market but still with high growth in the luxury resale segment

13.9. Poland in the Global Context

The Polish market (12.3 billion PLN / ~2.8 billion USD) accounts for about 1% of the global re-commerce market, matching Poland’s position in the global economy. However, Poland’s growth rate (+26% year-on-year) is higher than the global average (~12%), meaning Poland is "catching up" with more developed markets.

Similarities:

• Dominance of Generation Z and Millennials
• Shift from economic to ecological and stylistic motivations
• Dominance of the online channel (72% in Poland vs. 70-75% globally)

Differences:

• Vinted holds a larger market share in Poland (54%) than in most other countries
• The Polish market still has a lot to catch up on in the luxury resale segment
• The culture of shopping in "thrift stores" is more deeply rooted than in the USA or the UK

13.10. Summary: The Circular Revolution

The global circular fashion and resale market has ceased to be a niche – it is the mainstream of change in the fashion industry. The value of 317 billion USD in 2026 is just the beginning – forecasts indicate the market will double within a decade.

Driven by Generation Z, who view buying second-hand products as a value statement, supported by climate regulations and increasing environmental awareness, this market is redefining the concepts of "new" and "used." In the future, the line between these categories may disappear entirely – only quality, style, and the product's carbon footprint will matter, regardless of whether it’s its first, second, or fifth life.

Poland, with a growth rate exceeding the global average, is an active participant in this revolution. In the coming years, Polish consumers will have even more platform choices, better tools for pre-owned shopping, and a growing awareness that every purchase is a vote for the planet's future.

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Report prepared: January 2026
Sources: Analysis of market trends 2021-2025, e-commerce platform data, industry reports, consumer research, retail analyst forecasts.

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