The Second-Hand Economy Boom: Why Gen Z Prefers Used Over New

Gen Z is driving a second-hand economy boom through platforms like Depop, ThredUp, Poshmark, and Vinted. Motivations: sustainability (conscious consumption), uniqueness (vintage fashion), and economics (inflation squeezing budgets). The global resale market is projected to reach $350B by 2028. Traditional retailers responding with their own resale programs. The stigma of used goods is disappearing entirely among younger consumers.