The survey explains 43% of respondents reported buying or selling adult clothing items in 2025, making it the most traded secondhand category, however this was a slight drop from 2024’s 45%.
The other categories to report falls were footwear, which declined to 29% in 2025 from 32% in 2024 and children’s clothing fell from 22% to 20% this year.
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The declines in footwear and children’s clothing sales hint at varying dynamics within different segments of the secondhand market.
The research uncovered notable generational trends, with Gen Z (aged 18-27) leading in the secondhand market across all categories, except for children’s apparel.
In contrast, other product categories have seen growth, including furniture and smaller electronics like phones and laptops.
British Retail Consortium sustainability policy advisor Sophie De Salis said: “It is great to see so many people, across all generations, embracing the circular economy. Secondhand is no longer seen as second best.
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By GlobalData“It has become a first choice for sustainability, affordability and individuality. With many retailers now offering their own pre-loved collections, and so many great resale platforms, online marketplaces and charity shops – customers are spoilt for choice.”
The survey, now in its second year, underscores an overall upward trend in the secondhand economy across seven out of ten categories tracked, reflecting consumers’ growing inclination to buy and sell pre-owned goods.
This movement is facilitated by the proliferation of online marketplaces and charity shops that make such transactions more convenient than ever before.
Post Office parcels and mails managing director Neill O’Sullivan said: “We’ve seen the surge in demand as customers rush to the secondhand market to find affordable products, or bring in some extra cash by offloading unloved items.”
A recent study from the British Standards Institution (BSI) revealed global adoption of circular economy practice is being stalled by consumer trust over cleanliness and reliability of refurbished and secondhand goods, including clothing.
