Secondhand Apparel Market in GCC Soars with a 7.7% CAGR; Set to Reach USD 6,114.95 Million by 2034

Secondhand Apparel Market

The revenue from secondhand apparel in the GCC reached USD 2,727.5 million in 2023, with demand growing by 6.5% year-over-year. Looking ahead, the market for secondhand clothing in the region is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%, increasing from USD 2,912.6 million in 2024 to USD 6,114.95 million by 2034.

The growth of the secondhand apparel market in the GCC is being driven by multiple factors, including a surge in demand for sustainable fashion, the rising cost of new clothing, and increasing consumer awareness of the fashion industry’s environmental impact. The appeal of secondhand clothing, offering both affordability and eco-consciousness, is reshaping the region’s fashion landscape.

Growth Drivers

  • Sustainability & Eco-Consciousness: As consumers in GCC countries become more aware of environmental challenges, the demand for sustainable fashion options has soared. Secondhand apparel offers an eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion, contributing to reduced waste and resource consumption.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: With rising costs of new clothing, particularly among younger shoppers, secondhand apparel provides a more affordable option, offering high-quality, branded items at a fraction of the cost.
  • Online Shopping Boom: The growing popularity of online shopping, especially via mobile apps and e-commerce platforms, has made secondhand fashion more accessible. Online start-ups focusing on the resale of pre-owned clothing are catering to the growing demand for convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly fashion choices.

Key Trends Driving Market Growth

  • Increasing Popularity of Thrifted Clothing: More GCC consumers are turning to thrift stores and online platforms for unique, affordable, and sustainable fashion.
  • Surge in Luxury Secondhand Goods: High-end designer brands are gaining popularity in the secondhand market, with consumers seeking luxury items at discounted prices.
  • Expansion of Online Marketplaces: The growing number of online start-ups focusing on secondhand apparel is expected to continue driving growth, particularly in markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Regional Insights

  • Bahrain: Projected to lead the GCC secondhand apparel market with a 10.9% CAGR through 2034, driven by rising demand for sustainable fashion.
  • Kuwait: Set to grow at a 10.0% CAGR, fueled by increasing consumer interest in affordable and eco-friendly secondhand clothing.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE will experience an 8.3% CAGR, supported by a surge in online start-ups specializing in pre-owned branded apparel.
  • Saudi Arabia: Forecasted to grow at a 5.4% CAGR, reflecting steady demand for secondhand fashion amid rising consumer awareness.
  • Qatar: Set to grow at a 9.3% CAGR, driven by increasing popularity of thrifting and vintage fashion among consumers.
  • Oman: Projected to experience a 9.8% CAGR, boosted by a growing presence of both global and local fashion brands, alongside rising consumer preferences for secondhand fashion.

Competitive Landscape

The secondhand apparel market features a fragmented competitive landscape, with numerous players vying for market share across various product categories, consumer segments, and sales channels. To enhance their reach, companies are increasingly partnering with fashion brands and retailers to offer pre-owned clothing options to a broader customer base. Additionally, they are focusing on providing consumers with a diverse selection of products and expert guidance to meet growing demand for secondhand fashion.

Recent Development

  • In 2022, Second Hand Dubai, a third-party online marketplace, launched a new partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote the sustainable fashion business. The partnership aims to raise awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion business and encourage consumers to adopt more sustainable shopping habits.

Key Companies Profiled

Thredup Inc.

The RealReal

Poshmark

The Luxury Closet

My Ex Wardrobe

Second Hand Dubai

Dubizzle

Goodwill UAE

Haraj

Maroof

Olx

Tap into Expertise: Discuss with Our Analyst on Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com

GCC Secondhand Apparel Industry Analysis by Category

By Product Type:

  • Party, Evening & Occasion Wear
  • Formal Wear
  • Denim
  • Ethnic Wear
  • Kids Wear
  • Casual Wear
  • Lounge Wear

By Consumer Orientation:

  • Men
  • Women
  • Kids

By Sales Channel:

  • Thrift Stores/Resale Stores
  • Vintage Clothing Stores
  • Online Market Places
  • Wholesale
  • Consignment Shops
  • Modern Trade

By Country:

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

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About the Author

Nikhil Kaitwade

Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc. has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.
His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.
Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

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