Fashion: which second-hand models are the most profitable for retailers?

Featured image of the article Fashion: which second-hand models are the most profitable for retailers?
Since 2021, second-hand offers have been multiplying among fashion retailers. In an analysis carried out by mind Retail among some 30 retailers, we see that the models and their associated profitability vary between the different market segments (mass, mid-market, luxury). While this activity is profitable for premium brands, it has also become a major loyalty lever at a time when acquisition costs are exploding.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 15 days

In-store vintage selection corners, second-hand clothing trade-ins in exchange for vouchers and a resale marketplace between individuals. In two years, the second-hand ecosystem has evolved. Mind Retail identified around 30 retailers involved in the resale of second-hand items, with differing models.

“The resale business model depends on the brand. Some models can’t work with certain products that sell below a certain amount,” explains Félix Winkler, Co-founder of Reflaunt.

Three main types of second-hand initiatives

1. multi-brand second-hand corners in stores

System: The idea is to open a multi-brand second-hand clothing sales area in stores. These areas offer items sold at prices 40% to 80% lower than new. In this model, the retailers join forces with partners who specialise in second-hand clothing such as Rediv (ex Patatam), Eureka Fripe or Prêt à Changer, who sell part of their stock of second-hand clothing to the retailer.

How it works: Partners like Rediv offer collection points in stores (900 in France) to collect clothes (bags made available with a prepaid shipping label).

You are reading this article thanks to your trial period.
Explore new horizons by checking out our other verticals:
You are reading this article thanks to your subscription to Mind Retail.
Explore new horizons by checking out our other verticals:
Do you have information to share with us?
Our other services
mind Research
Strategic Intelligence: Tailored research and market analysis services to power your insights and back your strategic decisions.
See more
mind Days
Networking & Events: Half-day conferences covering key industry topics and open to the entire ecosystem.
See more
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
How retailers are reinventing the checkout
As pressure on household budgets continues, new payment methods including account-to-account (A2A) instant payments, Wero, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), loyalty points and cashback, are gaining...
2 November 2026
Julien Cailleau, Oney: “With 3 retailers, we are testing the use of Valiuz data to streamline financing approvals”
Against a backdrop of growing pressure on household budgets, the European CCD2 Directive coming into force and a new legal framework for assisted purchasing journeys, Oney is stepping up an...
29 October 2026
Advantail signs with Formality to streamline commercial lease management
Amid an ownership shake-up following its acquisition by Evoriel, shopping centre operator Advantail has signed with Formality to digitise the management of commercial leases and contracts across...
US retailers divided over the rise of autonomous shopping agents
In the US, Gap, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon and eBay are taking very different approaches to agentic commerce. While TV shopping giants QVC and HSN see these new intermediaries as an opportunity to...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind Retail
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Eric Meulien, Al Futtaim: “The next step in our roadmap is to replace the in-store POS system”
Operating in 18 countries and managing brands such as Ikea, Zara and Marks & Spencer, Emirati group Al-Futtaim (2025 revenue: US$9.7 billion, up by 6%) has a unique vantage point from which to...
2
Marketplaces: How Orange and Virgin Australia reinvent their value creation models
Looking to turn their audience into a commercial platform without having to carry the risk of holding stock, new verticals are entering the marketplace space, with new models designed to enhance...
8 October 2026
3
How Maison A.Constant built a unified customer database with n8n
Eager to bring together customer data and improve data accuracy, jewellery and watch retailer Maison A.Constant built its own Single Customer Repository (SCR) using n8n, an orchestration platform...
4
Cashback: Younited secures an exclusive contract with Bouygues Telecom
Following Orange and the launch of a marketplace, Bouygues Telecom is strengthening a customer loyalty strategy by focusing on purchasing power with a new cashback offer. For French fintech...
16 October 2026