This may come as a surprise .... They have all gotten into the Resale Market and there are many more to come. It’s just getting started. More people are considering purchasing something that has already been made versus buying something new. It saves on environmental resources, is usually priced more affordably, and allows more opportunities for people to experience designers they may ordinarily pass up or not have the ability to come across.
In 2000-2001 fast fashion began picking up steam and the push to get new products out quicker and quicker showed its affect with the contemporary clothing construction changing in order to meet those demands. The results could be seen from poor stitching and cheaper fibers used to how they were woven together. Consumers soon realized that low cost doesn’t always save you money because in the long run, you have to buy more as the clothing simply doesn’t hold up. But as consumers started to embrace this low-cost clothing and high fashion looks for less, they fed into the faster fashion season, which was soon followed by micro seasons. Clothing also began being produced in a way that was truly unsustainable. Many companies began using new, virgin plastic based fibers that were often blended with other materials such as cotton or wool vs recycled plastic-based materials, which is terrible for the environment.
As the consumer got used to the fast fashion and low pricing mentality, they also continued to get frustrated with the quality and begin seeking alternative ways to keep the prices down while attaining fashionable, well-made garments. This is where resale market comes in and why it’s exploding. Consumers are getting smarter and are realizing that fashion, quality and pricing don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It makes sense. And as some of the bigger named stores start to enter the market, the more common the idea of resale becomes.
As more stores pop up, it’s less about competing with each other and more about accessibility. Many people have asked if it’s difficult to have so many consignment stores in such a small town like Haddonfield. Does it hurt us? Our reply is always the same, the more stores the better it is for everyone. Each store has its own characteristics, curated collections and niche in the market. And each store has its own value. In the end, the consumer will shop where they feel at home and with a store that resonates with them for one reason or another. So to really answer the question, not only doesn’t it hurt us but it truly helps us. The secondhand market is expected to more than double in the next 5 years and we are excited to be a part of it.
