American department store chain J.C. Penney (JCP) is set to offer second-hand clothing at 30 of its stores, after partnering with online used clothing retailer ThredUp. The stores will sell women’s clothing and handbags, with J.C.P saying that each will be curated and refreshed weekly, with the aim of offering continued “newness and excitement” for shoppers.
The Thred Up 2019 Resale Report said that in 2028, the second-hand clothing market will be worth $64 bn, in comparison to $44 bn for fast fashion. As of 2018, fast fashion was worth $35 bn and second-hand $24 bn. ThredUp will feature in a 500-to-1,000 sqr foot presentation beginning immediately. Shoppers will be able to utilise existing promotional offers to maximise their savings, with ThredUp purchases also eligible to earn J.C.P reward points.
Michelle Wlazlo, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant for J.C. Penney, said, “With the rise of online resale markets, there’s no doubt that demand for great value on quality brands is at an all-time high. There’s an emotional thrill that comes with finding a one-of-a-kind secondhand product for much less.
“While there are more second-hand shoppers than ever before, we’ll continue to test and evaluate how this resonates with customers. We’re excited about the prospect of creating a new in-store experience that makes high-end brands attainable, as well as catering to eco-minded consumers who want more sustainable options in their wardrobe,” she added. Earlier this year, report on research conducted by ThredUp, which predicted that the second-hand clothing market will grow to nearly 1.5x the size of fast fashion by 2028.
