The thrift store market - France

The French second-hand clothing market is estimated at over 1.2 billion euros.

The second-hand clothing market has experienced considerable growth, driven by younger consumers and growing ecological awareness.

The global market, expected to reach $200 billion, continues to flourish.

While the French market is experiencing a general decline in sales of new clothes, sales of second-hand clothing have surged, accounting for 3.6% of the overall clothing market in France. Online platforms such as Vinted have taken a significant market share, with Vinted's user base in France reaching 8 million out of 21 million users.

Interest in second-hand luxury goods is also growing.

More and more brands and retailers are setting up their own second-hand clothing systems.

Africa has become a major importer of second-hand clothing, mainly from Europe.

Trends in the French second-hand clothing market

The French second-hand clothing market is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, mainly due to the younger generation's desire for affordable fashion and greater ecological awareness.

This increase in demand represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the sector. Around 30-40% of the population now buys second-hand clothes, a rate that has doubled in just a few years.

A third of people aged 18 to 24 have already bought second-hand clothes. 60% of these young consumers acknowledge that their second-hand clothing purchases are motivated by a desire to reduce the fashion industry's impact on the environment.

Price remains the main buying factor for consumers on the second-hand market. 63% of customers cite cost as the main reason for their choice.

This preference is energizing second-hand stores and encouraging the creation of new second-hand store concepts that focus on vintage items.

Online trade in second-hand clothing is growing at a rate of 35% a year, far outstripping the growth of in-store sales. Platforms like Vinted have between 15 and 20 million French members.

The second-hand market for luxury goods is gaining in importance. Stores are specializing in this market segment.

Players in the second-hand clothing market

The second-hand clothing market has seen the emergence and growth of several key players who have significantly influenced the landscape of sustainable fashion.

• Vinted - Champion of private-to-private resale

Vinted has created a user-friendly platform where individuals can buy, sell and exchange clothes with ease. With a strong community of fashion enthusiasts, Vinted attracts mainly a young population eager to refresh their wardrobe while being environmentally conscious.

• Vestiaire Collective - Curator of pre-owned luxury goods

Specializing in high-end fashion, Vestiaire Collective has positioned itself as a destination of choice for those looking for luxury items without the high price tag. The platform is known for its carefully selected selection of designer clothing and accessories.

• Leboncoin - The French marketplace par excellence

Offering a vast collection of items, including clothing, Leboncoin has earned its status as the go-to marketplace for French consumers. Although it's not exclusively about fashion, its broad reach means that clothing occupies an important place among the various categories of goods available for purchase.

• Depop - The fashionable vintage center

Depop captures the essence of vintage and streetwear culture, targeting fashion-forward young people looking for unique pieces with retro flair. The app's social media-inspired interface has proved particularly popular with younger users, cementing its reputation as a hip, alternative shopping destination.

• ThredUp - America's thrift store giant

Dominating the American market, ThredUp offers a wide assortment of second-hand clothing. The platform attracts not only environmentally conscious consumers, but also those looking for a bargain on everyday clothing.

• Kilo Shop - Weigh and pay for vintage finds

Thanks to its innovative weight-based pricing system, Kilo Shop offers shoppers the chance to hunt down vintage treasures and pay for them by the kilo. This approach not only adds an element of fun to shopping, but also makes high-quality vintage clothing accessible at an affordable price.

• Emmaüs and Ding Fring - The choice of solidarity

Reinforcing the principle of social entrepreneurship, Emmaüs and Ding Fring are also important players.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/12/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Taille du marché de la mode d'occasion et prévisions
• Taille du marché de la mode d'occasion et prévisions
• Part de marché des habits de seconde main en fonction de la génération
• Evolution de l'indice du chiffre d'affaires du commerce de détail de l'habillement en magasin
• Lieux d'achat des vetements
• Part de français achetant de la seconde-main
• Part des consommateurs achetant des vêtements de seconde main pour des raisons environnementales
• Les principales motivations pour l'achat d'un vêtement d'occasion
• Part des consommateurs ayant déjà réduit leurs achats de vêtements pour des raisons éthiques et écologiques
• La seconde vie des vêtements qui ne sont plus portés
• Pour quelle raison achetez-vous d'occasion
• La seconde vie des vêtements selon le sexe
• Répartition des annonces publiées par univers de vêtements
• Répartition des annonces publiées par univers de vêtements
• Répartition des annonces publiées par univers de vêtements
• Répartition des annonces publiées par univers de vêtements
• Croissance des ventes de fripes selon le circuit de distribution
• Evolution des exportations d'articles de friperie
• Part de marché des 6 premières destinations d'exporation d'articles de friperie
• Part des six plus gros importateurs d'articles de friperie