Recommerce for the Holidays

"The resale economy is no longer a niche. As the 2025 Christmas shopping season approaches, the sale of pre-owned, refurbished, or overstock goods is impacting how merchants attract consumers and clear excess inventory. Salesforce predicts that U.S. resale transactions - peer-to-peer, marketplaces, other channels - will account for $64 billion in holiday revenue this year. Fashion resale alone could top $26 billion in 2025."

"Recommerce is fast becoming both a profitable sales channel and a discount strategy that avoids brand erosion. Nearly every survey this year points to resale growth. Deloitte reported that some 150 U.S. fashion brands now offer in-house resale programs, up more than 300% since 2021. Tariffs, inflation, and changing consumer values all push shoppers toward pre-owned goods. The Resale Consumer The resale shopper, however, is not only a bargain hunter."

"Recommerce's new appeal could stem from taste, value, and access. Consumers want products that feel distinct and attainable, and if those products happen to be cheaper than first-run items, all the better. Consider Pinterest's Autumn Trend Report 2025, released in August. The platform reported a 550% increase in searches for "dream thrift finds" and more than a 1,000% increase in searches related to a "vintage autumn aesthetic.""

The resale market is becoming mainstream, with U.S. resale transactions forecast to generate $64 billion in holiday revenue and fashion resale possibly exceeding $26 billion in 2025. Recommerce serves as both a profitable sales channel and a discount strategy that preserves brand equity. Many fashion brands now operate in-house resale programs, increasing more than 300% since 2021. Tariffs, inflation, and shifting consumer values are driving demand for pre-owned goods. Resale shoppers seek distinct, attainable products for taste, value, and access. Platforms report large spikes in thrift and vintage searches. Retailers reframe markdowns by routing returns, refurbished, and overstock inventory into pre-owned categories.

Read at Practical Ecommerce