Sales of secondhand fashion soared during lockdown. The data reveals that two secondhand fashion items were sold every three-seconds between January and July this year on eBay, as consumers looked for more sustainable fashion options, due to the pandemic lockdown.
The marketplace notes that lockdown gave consumers more time to reflect on their shopping habits, and that has led to 12 million people in the UK purchasing a pre-loved item in 2020 so far, with eBay adding that there have been 30 percent more secondhand sales in June 2020.
British consumer are leading the way for change, topping the global leaderboard, scoring 117 percent more second-hand sales in 2020 than shoppers in the US.When it comes to what people are buying, eBay adds that the nation has become “dramatically more willing to invest in quality pieces” and in 2020, there have been 195,691 percent more purchases for pre-loved high-end designer fashion items than two years ago.
Secondhand shoppers have also turned to independent retailers, with 28 percent more second-hand purchases coming from small and medium businesses on eBay, than from larger retailers in 2020.
In particular, brands known for their sustainable offerings, such as Stella McCartney, witnessing significantly more sales of their products on eBay this year. When it comes to other luxury brands selling on eBay, Gucci leads the way, followed by Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, and Prada. Completing the top 10 luxury brands are Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, Moncler, Christian Dior and Balenciaga.
Topping the chart of high street brands selling as pre-loved items on eBay is Nike, followed by Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, H&M, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, Laura Ashley, North Face and SustainaLevi’s.
Oxfam’s Sustainability Expert, Fee Gilfeather, said: “One of the few positives to come out of this pandemic is the opportunity to break old habits and build a fairer and more sustainable future. For this year’s Second Hand September campaign, we’re asking people to shop second hand for the month or more.
