Re-commerce: The future of commerce

As e-commerce continues to evolve, re-commerce (circular shopping) thankfully keeps pace. Thinking circularly, or engaging in secondhand shopping, is becoming increasingly important in today's agenda. Particularly in recent years, it has become crucial for brands to take control of their secondhand sales channels and start embracing sustainable and circular thinking.

Many consumers have clothes hanging in their closets that aren’t being used – yet still have plenty of life left and deserve to be brought into the light.

When fashion brands start implementing a re-commerce solution on their Shopify store, they can extend the lifespan of their products and take an active stance on one of the most pressing environmental challenges, while also opening new opportunities for consumers and businesses within fashion and lifestyle.

Why has re-commerce become such a big trend?

In recent years, re-commerce has become increasingly popular, and I bet it's driven by some of these factors:

1. On one hand, an increasing awareness of environmental challenges among consumers has created a demand for more sustainable consumption options – including the purchasing of secondhand goods.
2. At the same time, technological advancements in platforms like Shopify, which facilitate the buying and selling of used goods online directly from the brand, have also acted as a catalyst for this growth. It has become easier for brands to implement “take back” models, where they buy back used clothing from consumers and resell it - this is really smart and I will soon post a video explaining exactly how it works. Shopify and its ecosystem have made it possible for both consumers and businesses to participate in re-commerce with greater ease and efficiency than ever before.
3. Finally, the economic advantage plays a role. In a time when many consumers are looking for value for their money, re-commerce offers an attractive option to purchase quality products at a lower price. This aspect is especially relevant in the fashion industry, where clothes can be reused and sold at a fraction of their original price. Buying secondhand directly from the brand increases loyalty and spares private consumers the hassle of communicating back and forth on marketplaces.

Digitalization shapes the future of re-commerce

The digital age has significantly influenced the growth and popularity of re-commerce. Technological advancements, especially in e-commerce platforms like Shopify, have made it easier than ever for both consumers and businesses to engage in the buying and selling of secondhand.

These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, secure payment systems, and efficient logistics solutions, making the process smooth and attractive – unlike private consumers dealing with each other over platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

For fashion and lifestyle brands, it’s an unique chance to expand their reach and directly engage with consumers to build loyalty. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, brands can easily integrate re-commerce into their business strategies and offer customers a more sustainable shopping experience.

Brands embracing re-commerce

An increasing number of fashion and lifestyle brands recognize the potential of re-commerce and are actively integrating it into their business models. By embracing re-commerce, these brands gain several advantages:

• Increased loyalty: Consumers value brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility, leading to stronger customer loyalty. Through take-back programs, customers receive a voucher, encouraging them to shop with the brand again.
• New Market Opportunities: Re-commerce opens up new segments of price-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
• Sustainable Growth: Recycling and reusing products contribute to sustainable business operations and reduce environmental footprints. Hopefully, brands can ultimately produce less, as a significant portion of their revenue comes from re-commerce.