Secondhand clothing marketplace ThredUp partners with American Eagle for resale of used items.
The apparel industry is witnessing a shift towards sustainability, and one of the latest brands to hop on the bandwagon is American Eagle Outfitters. They have partnered with ThredUp, a leading resale-as-a-service platform, to launch their own resale shop, RE/AE.
RE/AE, accessible via a "preloved" tab on American Eagle's website, is also featured on ThredUp's platform at ae.thredup.com. The shop offers a selection of second-hand clothing and accessories, with items priced between $10 and $40.
While the online secondhand market is growing, brick-and-mortar stores hold operational advantages in the resale market. These advantages primarily revolve around direct customer interaction, physical product experience, and immediate product availability.
In a brick-and-mortar store, customers can receive personalised assistance from staff to find specific sizes, styles, or materials. This personal touch fosters a welcoming environment that encourages customer loyalty and referrals. Furthermore, customers can physically inspect and try on items, reducing the uncertainty common with secondhand clothes and lowering the likelihood of returns.
Physical stores also offer immediate possession without waiting, which is crucial when customers want an item right away rather than waiting for shipping. They also simplify returns and exchanges, a benefit when product condition is critical as in secondhand clothing.
Despite the advantages of e-commerce in offering a wider product range and convenience, it lacks the tactile and interpersonal benefits inherent in a brick-and-mortar environment that are crucial to buying used clothing.
The resale market for apparel continues to expand, with the U.S. market reaching $39 billion in 2022 and expected to reach $70 billion by 2027, according to ThredUp and GlobalData. This growth is enabled by services provided by companies like ThredUp, Trove, and Recurate, which offer technology and some infrastructure to brands interested in the apparel resale market.
Offering used goods in a variety of categories at physical locations can boost traffic and sales for retailers. American Eagle Outfitters has also collaborated with Snapchat for the platform's first AR pop-up shop, allowing users to explore a "vintage AE store" and click for product details and sustainability impact information.
The growth of the secondhand market, despite a downward revision, still represents significant expansion. As more brands partner with resale platforms and offer preowned goods, it's clear that the future of fashion is circular.
[1] "The Advantages of Brick-and-Mortar Stores in the Secondhand Apparel Market." Sustainable Apparel Coalition, 12 Mar. 2021, https://www.sustainableapparelcoalition.org/resources/blog/advantages-brick-mortar-stores-secondhand-apparel-market/
[2] "The U.S. Used Clothing Market Grew to $39 Billion in 2022, According to a Report." BusinessWire, 2023, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230228005387/en/The-U.S.-Used-Clothing-Market-Grew-to-39-Billion-in-2022-According-to-a-Report
[3] "Why Brick-and-Mortar Stores Still Matter in the Secondhand Apparel Market." Forbes, 15 Mar. 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/03/15/why-brick-and-mortar-stores-still-matter-in-the-secondhand-apparel-market/?sh=750e888a7665
[4] "The Advantages of Physical Retail in the Secondhand Apparel Market." Sustainable Brands, 2021, https://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/circular_economy/sustainable_brands/advantages_physical_retail_secondhand_apparel_market_052821
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