The second-hand apparel market is growing 21 times faster than the primary market according to B-Stock, the world’s largest online B2B platform for returned and excess apparel.

Driving the trend is the rise in online resale and consignment marketplaces as well as young consumers looking to make more sustainable shopping choices.

Commenting is Ben Whitaker, B-Stock’s EMEA director. “We have witnessed a shift in consumer attitudes towards sustainable shopping, which shows no sign of slowing down for the gift-giving season. Over the last two years alone we have seen a 254% increase in transactions for used apparel and it looks set to continue long into the future. As a result, giving the gift of used will be in vogue this year.”

B-Stock shows the top five used gifts for this year’s seasonal holiday will include designer purses and handbags; denim styles, footwear; womenswear; and also brand-name fine watches.

“It is now easier to access big brands for smaller budgets via resale and consignment marketplaces,” continues Whitaker. “We are also seeing consumers trying to make their Christmas more sustainable by using recyclable wrapping paper for example. Giving the gift of sustainability has become this year’s Christmas fashion that everyone wants to wear.”

The shift in consumer behaviour is putting pressure on retailers to have sustainable business practices.

But how can retailers get into the second-hand game? According to Whitaker, a recommerce solution is the way to go. This might include selling used, repaired or rebuilt items directly to consumers via a branded recommerce site.

For retailers with large amounts of excess or returned inventory, a B2B recommerce marketplace can be a great, sustainable option.

A B2B marketplace enables retailers to sell bulk quantities of merchandise directly to secondary market business buyers. Some of today’s largest retailers and brands are using this type of solution to not only offset loss for inventory but also to ensure excess items stay out of landfills.

About B-Stock

B-Stock is the world’s leading marketplace for returned, excess and other liquidation inventory. The platform sets up an online auction dynamic where retailers and manufacturers can sell directly to approved business buyers; this drives greater demand, higher pricing and a faster sales cycle.

By applying B-Stock’s auction strategy and data the world’s largest retailers, plus hundreds of other businesses, are attaining the highest pricing possible for secondary-market merchandise across all categories, conditions and quantities.

For further information on B-Stock, please click here.