Consumers more likely to shop secondhand this holiday season, ThredUp report

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Nov 17, 2021

The stigma around secondhand gifts is changing, according to ThredUp’s Thrift for the Holidays report. 

The report released on Tuesday and based on a survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers, reveals that 62 percent of consumers believe buying secondhand apparel and fashion gifts is more socially acceptable now than five years ago, while 66 percent percent of consumers are now open to receiving a secondhand gift.

Other findings included the fact that 52 percent of consumers are concerned that popular gifts will be more expensive this year. Likewise, one in three consumers believe limited inventory will make it difficult to find gifts. As a result, nearly one in two consumers are considering secondhand alternatives due to inflation and supply chain concerns. 

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The study also found that Gen Z respondents are leading the way in secondhand holiday gifting trends. That’s because 72 percent of Gen Z is open to receiving a secondhand gift, compared to 66 percent of consumers overall. Sustainability is Gen Z's number one motivation: 64 percent are open to gifting thrift because they want to shop more sustainably, compared to 54 percent of consumers overall.

Converse sneakers, Lululemon track jackets, Torrid jeans, Ugg boots, Reformation dresses, Patagonia fleeces, Frye boots, Coach wristlets, Vince sweaters and Kate Spade crossbody bags were among the top 10 thrifted items topping wish lists this year. 

"It's amazing and encouraging to see how many consumers are now open to gifting thrift,” said Erin Wallace, VP of integrated marketing, ThredUp.

“We've heard that consumers are growing tired of the waste of the holiday season, and are increasingly seeking more sustainable options that align with their values. This is particularly true of GenZ. By choosing used for the holidays, consumers are cutting waste for both their wallets and the planet."