Cost-of-living, sustainability are key reasons students sell pre-owned pieces

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Feb 9, 2023

As the cost-of-living crisis bites, hard-pressed UK students are increasingly turning to selling their clothing, with a new report predicting “pre-loved is here to stay”.

Over a third of students (37%) are now selling clothes online, according to UniDays’ fashion report. And 91% of them are driven by the need to make money, while 72% are reselling their pre-loved items for sustainability reasons. 

What’s more, 75% of students regularly buy second-hand clothing with discounts playing a “critical” role in Gen Z’s purchasing decisions and many expecting to save over 30% with a pre-loved purchase.

The report noted that platforms such as Depop and Vinted have seen rapid growth as the category has surged in recent years and the second-hand market is predicted to grow a further 127% by 2026.

“With this comes new opportunities for brands,” UniDays says. “As students increasingly buy and sell pre-loved fashionwear, brands have the chance to be part of an emerging sector supporting entrepreneurial students aiming to boost their bank balance by finding and selling the best deals on the market”. 

Meanwhile, the report also shows 47% of students prefer in-store shopping while 69% think brands should reward those who shop for pre-loved items through discounts.

Alex Gallagher, Chief Strategy Officer at UniDays, said: “Students’ shopping habits are constantly evolving, and brands should be ready to respond and adapt to meet the demands of this influential consumer group. The rise of selling and buying pre-loved clothes demonstrates student interest in money-saving perks and pursuing sustainable shopping habits.

“Students are looking to brands to meet their shopping needs by offering a second-hand range and providing discounts and rewards for their purchases. This provides ample opportunity for brands to connect and build long-lasting relationships with students by meeting their needs.”