The secondhand apparel revenue in GCC totaled USD 2,727.5 million in 2023. Demand for secondhand apparel recorded a y-o-y growth of 6.5% in 2023. Overall sales of secondhand apparel in GCC are likely to soar at a 7.7% CAGR, taking the valuation from USD 2,912.6 million in 2024 to USD 6,114.95 million by 2034.
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| GCC Secondhand Apparel Business Revenue in 2023 | USD 2,727.5 million |
| Estimated GCC Secondhand Apparel Business Revenue (2024E) | USD 2,912.6 million |
| Projected GCC Secondhand Apparel Business Size (2034F) | USD 6,114.95 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 7.7% |
Overview of the GCC Secondhand Apparel Business
The secondhand apparel business in GCC is growing due to several factors. These include the increasing popularity of sustainable fashion, the rising cost of new clothing, and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion sector.
Secondhand apparel provides a more affordable option than new clothing, which is appealing to several customers across GCC countries. The rising preference for secondhand apparel clothing due to its cost-effectiveness is a key factor expected to boost revenue.
Savvy shoppers across countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are turning to thrift stores to save money and help the environment. Hence, the growing number of eco-friendly shoppers in GCC countries will play a key role in driving the demand for secondhand apparel.
The growing popularity of online shopping is also influencing sales growth across GCC countries. This is because online shopping makes it easier for consumers to find and purchase secondhand clothing and compare prices from different retailers.
Prominent players would collaborate with apparel businesses to develop a popular trend. Limited edition releases and special partnerships would also generate a buzz and consumer interest. These exclusive releases frequently become highly sought-after commodities, luring fashion-conscious consumers to aid the target business’s growth.
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The secondhand apparel business in GCC registered a CAGR of 6.5% from 2019 to 2023. It attained a total valuation of USD 2,727.5 million at the end of 2023. Over the forecast period, secondhand apparel demand in GCC is projected to rise at a 7.7% CAGR.
| Historical CAGR (2019 to 2023) | 6.5% |
|---|---|
| Forecast CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 7.7% |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, customers lowered their purchasing of non-essential commodities while increasing their purchases of low-cost, disposable attire garments. With the assistance of government and support groups, the notion of eco-fashion and sustainable fashion evolved as solutions to the business’s current environmental challenges.
Secondhand clothing concepts and techniques that are both low-cost and high-quality complement the vintage fashion phenomenon. With growing awareness about the benefits of secondhand clothing, the target business in GCC is set to flourish.
The GCC secondhand apparel business is still growing as it is in its early stages of development. The factors affecting the growth of the target business include a growing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion sector and rising consumer interest in sustainable fashion options.
Secondhand clothing provides a more sustainable choice than new clothing, as it does not require the production of new materials or the use of energy and resources. They are also inexpensive, which is further increasing their popularity and demand across GCC nations.
Another key factor expected to boost sales across GCC is the growing popularity of online shopping. This is because online marketplaces provide consumers with a convenient and efficient way to buy and sell secondhand clothing.
Principal Consultant
Millennial Shoppers are Powering the Pre-owned Trend
Millennials are becoming the dominant generation in terms of consumer expenditure, which is increasing their importance in society. Young millennials' green purchasing habits are directly linked to their environmental concerns.
According to a study by Big Commerce, with growing digital penetration, 67% of millennials browse and buy on e-commerce websites, with 31% browsing online before making a purchase in a physical store. This is creating lucrative growth opportunities for secondhand apparel companies.
The consumption of recycled clothing with a good cause as a side benefit is a popular trend among millennials. A growing number of younger consumers are looking for more reasonably priced apparel options due to the rising cost of living and economic difficulties. Preowned apparel, often offered at a discount, gives people an affordable option to obtain high-quality gear and well-known brands.
Good Looks Have Now Become a Matter of Self-esteem among Customers
Secondhand apparel is becoming a trend in the ever-growing fashion space. Self-esteem is a factor that practically everyone considers as it evaluates how well one regards their own performance and looks, as well as their relationships with others. The importance of clothing as a communicator of information during social interactions and as a tool for establishing self-identity is recognized by society.
Good looks are increasingly becoming the focal point of attention, boosting the customer’s self-esteem. Better attire, fashion accessories, and other items are chosen to boost self-esteem, and, in turn, customers' preference for a variety of apparel, including secondhand ones, is increasing.
Rapid Growth of Online Start-ups Fostering Demand
Secondhand goods are no longer taboo; in fact, young people are delighted to buy them. Several reasons are driving this trend, including their low price and the perception that they are more environmentally friendly than new clothing.
A number of online start-ups are trying their hand in secondhand apparel business across GCC and other regions. These start-ups are offering a range of services, such as authentication, curation, and convenient shipping and returns, to make it easier for people to buy and sell pre-owned branded and designer apparel.
Online start-ups are growing rapidly, and they are well-positioned to capitalize on the rising demand for pre-owned designer apparel in GCC. They offer a wide range of items from top designer brands, making it easy for customers to buy and sell pre-owned luxury goods.
The section provides highlights of the secondhand apparel business across prominent countries. Out of all the countries profiled, Bahrain will likely register a CAGR of 10.9%, followed by Kuwait, which is set to exhibit a CAGR of 10.0%.
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate, 2024 to 2034 | 8.3% |
| Country | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate, 2024 to 2034 | 5.4% |
| Country | Oman |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate, 2024 to 2034 | 9.8% |
| Country | Qatar |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate, 2024 to 2034 | 9.3% |
| Country | Kuwait |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate, 2024 to 2034 | 10.0% |
| Country | Bahrain |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate, 2024 to 2034 | 10.9% |
Sales growth of secondhand apparel in the United Arab Emirates is projected to increase at an 8.3% CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributable to the rising number of online start-ups in the country that only concentrate on selling exclusively pre-owned branded clothing.
The United Arab Emirates is witnessing a dramatic surge in the number of online start-ups. These start-ups offer a convenient and stress-free method to purchase and sell used clothing, thereby fostering revenue growth.
Consumers in the United Arab Emirates are also becoming more aware and environmentally conscious. They are looking for ways to minimize their environmental impact, and secondhand fashion apparel provides a viable option for them.
The presence of both global and local fashion brands in Oman has led to broader apparel choices for consumers. This helps them to find secondhand apparel from a variety of brands, styles, and price points.
The presence of global brands in Oman is leading to increased awareness of fashion trends and styles. Consequently, it is boosting the demand for secondhand clothing as it allows consumers to access the latest fashion trends at a fraction of the cost of buying new clothes from global brands.
The growing presence of online marketplaces in Oman and changing consumer preferences will further boost growth. As per the new report, sales of secondhand apparel in Oman are expected to rise with a prominent CAGR of 9.8% through 2034.s
The secondhand apparel business in Qatar is gaining momentum as people become more interested in thrifting and vintage clothing. They look to seek out distinctive and economical fashion options, leading them toward pre-owned vintage clothing options.
Growth in Qatar is also being driven by the increasing popularity of social media platforms. These platforms would make it easier for consumers to sell and buy vintage, secondhand clothes and help to create a more vibrant secondhand fashion marketplace in Qatar.
As per the latest analysis, the secondhand apparel business in Qatar is expected to surge at a CAGR of 9.3% throughout the forecast period. Hence, it will remain a key destination for secondhand apparel companies across GCC.
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The section below shows the party, evening & occasion wear segment witnessing a high CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Based on consumer orientation, the women segment is set to expand at a 5.9% CAGR. By sales channel, the online marketplace segment will likely thrive at a 5.6% CAGR through 2034.
Growth Outlook by Product Type
| Product Type | Party, Evening & Occasion Wear |
|---|---|
| CAGR | 6.5% |
Based on product type, the party, evening & occasion wear category is expected to register a significant CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. It will likely remain the top revenue-generating segment for secondhand apparel companies.
The party, evening, and occasion wear categories are prominent in the GCC secondhand apparel sector as people in the region increasingly look for affordable and stylish options for special occasions. People prefer to buy secondhand clothing as it helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
Increasing penetration of e-commerce and the options they provide renders party, evening & occasion wear a prominent category in the target business. Similarly, growing consumer inclination toward purchasing secondhand party, evening & occasion wear will boost the target segment.
Growth Outlook by Key Consumer Orientation
| Consumer Orientation | Women |
|---|---|
| CAGR | 5.9% |
As per the latest GCC secondhand industry analysis, the women segment is expected to surge at a 5.9% CAGR through 2034. This is due to the increasing preference of women for premium secondhand clothing across GCC.
Women are playing key roles in driving the growth of the secondhand apparel business in the GCC region. As a result, they are becoming the primary focus for retailers and sellers in this thriving sector.
Women across GCC countries are increasingly opting for secondhand apparel as it helps to serve their purpose very comfortably. They can select their outfits based on the occasion, such as a wedding, festival, event, date, or any other occasion, without caring much about the price tags, as secondhand clothes are usually cheaper.
There are also other factors that will likely boost the target segment during the forecast period. These include a wider variety of clothing options available for women, a higher frequency of fashion-conscious shopping habits, and a greater inclination toward sustainability and cost-consciousness.
Growth Outlook by Key Sales Channel
| Sales Channel | Online Market Places |
|---|---|
| CAGR | 5.6% |
In the sales channel category, the online marketplace segment is expected to thrive at a 5.6% CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributable to the rising consumer inclination toward purchasing secondhand apparel through online platforms due to their multiple benefits.
Consumers can browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own homes and take advantage of services such as free delivery and returns. As a result, the online marketplace is emerging as one of the popular sales channels in the target business.
Online marketplaces also conveniently cater to the evolving demand, making them a popular choice among modern consumers. Online retailers further provide heavy discounts and use celebrity endorsement strategies to expand their customer base as well as boost their revenue.
The secondhand apparel business has a fragmented competitive landscape, with several players competing based on different product types, consumer orientations, and sales channels. Companies are collaborating with fashion brands and retailers to offer secondhand clothing options to their customers and expand their reach. They are also focusing on providing users with a wide range of options and expertise.
Recent Development
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Value (2024) | USD 2,912.6 million |
| Projected Value (2034) | USD 6,114.95 million |
| Anticipated CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 7.7% |
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2034 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2019 to 2023 |
| Industry Analysis | Value (million) |
| Key Regions Covered | GCC |
| Key Countries Covered | United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain |
| Key Segments Covered | Product Type, Consumer Orientation, Sales Channel, Country |
| Key Companies Profiled | Thredup Inc.; The RealReal; Poshmark; The Luxury Closet; My Ex Wardrobe; Second Hand Dubai; Dubizzle; Goodwill UAE; Haraj; Maroof; Olx; Other Players (As Requested) |
| Report Coverage | Industry Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, Key Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
Total GCC secondhand apparel business revenue reached USD 2,727.5 million in 2023.
Sales of secondhand apparel in GCC will likely total USD 2,912.6 million in 2024
GCC secondhand apparel demand grew at a 6.5% CAGR from 2019 to 2023.
By 2034, the total value in GCC will likely reach USD 6,114.95 million.
GCC secondhand apparel demand is set to rise at a 7.7% CAGR through 2034.
Thredup Inc., The RealReal, Poshmark, and The Luxury Closet are the top players.
1. Executive Summary 2. Business Overview 3. Key Trends 4. Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034 5. Pricing Analysis 6. Demand (in Value or Size in USD million) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034 7. Business Background 8. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Product Type 8.1. Party, Evening & Occasion Wear 8.2. Formal Wear 8.3. Denim 8.4. Ethnic Wear 8.5. Kids Wear 8.6. Casual Wear 8.7. Lounge Wear 9. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Consumer Orientation 9.1. Men 9.2. Women 9.3. Kids 10. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Sales Channel 10.1. Thrift Stores/Resale Stores 10.2. Vintage Clothing Stores 10.3. Online Market Places 10.4. Wholesale 10.5. Consignment Shops 10.6. Modern Trade 11. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Region 11.1. United Arab Emirates 11.2. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 11.3. Oman 11.4. Qatar 11.5. Kuwait 12. United Arab Emirates Secondhand Apparel Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 13. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Secondhand Apparel Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 14. Oman Secondhand Apparel Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 15. Qatar Secondhand Apparel Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 16. Kuwait Secondhand Apparel Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 17. Structure Analysis 18. Competition Analysis 18.1. VF Corporation 18.2. Thredup Inc. 18.3. The RealReal 18.4. Poshmark 18.5. The Luxury Closet 18.6. My Ex Wardrobe 18.7. Second Hand Dubai 18.8. Dubizzle 18.9. Goodwill United Arab Emirates 18.10. Haraj 18.11. Maroof 18.12. Olx 19. Assumptions and Acronyms Used 20. Research Methodology
Consumer Product
March 2024
REP-GB-15854
315 pages
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Secondhand Apparel Industry Analysis in GCC
