As a Gen Z behind ZO Communication, a Gen Z consulting company, I’m right in the middle of young culture and the growing secondhand fashion scene. ThredUp's recent report suggests that the resale market could reach $350 billion by 2027. This shows that my generation isn't just following the trend of eco-friendly fashion; we're actively guiding it toward a more sustainable future.
ThredUp's data points to a big change in how people shop, especially among Gen Z and millennials. We're expected to add nearly two-thirds of the new spending in the secondhand market. A good chunk of us, 58%, are buying our used clothes online, more than any other age group.
We've grown up with technology, so it's natural for us to blend our social lives, fun, and shopping with a focus on our smartphones and laptops. Anthony Marino, the president of ThredUp, believes our digital know-how is what's putting Gen Z at the center of the secondhand market's expansion.
The expected rise of online resale to $38 billion by 2027 highlights how well Gen Z's tech skills mesh with our desire to make eco-friendly choices. Brands like Patagonia and Lululemon, which are already popular in the secondhand market, show that you can have premium quality while still caring for the planet.
It's designed to make understanding eco-friendly shopping easier by cutting through the confusing claims about what's "green". This calculator isn't just another app; it's a call to action for Gen Z to choose clothes that don't harm the environment.
Retailers need to get on board with this green trend by embracing the secondhand market. There's a lot of potential here. For example, they could start renting out clothes that are fashionable now but might not be in a few months. This way, Gen Z gets to try the latest styles without the usual waste that comes from buying new.
Stores should also encourage us to pick greener options. One idea is a rewards system on their sites, giving points to shoppers who choose items that are better for the environment. It's smart: we get to shop without compromising our values, and stores build a loyal following.
I'm part of Gen Z, and I see us not just as future buyers but as the ones shaping the future right now. It's time for retailers to sit up and take action. There's so much to gain, and we have a big responsibility to our world. Let's change the way we shop, one eco-friendly choice at a time.
Picture: British Vogue
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