The ThredUp 2025 Resale Report makes one thing clear: resale is no longer optional for retailers aiming to stay relevant, profitable, and sustainable.
Consumers are already driving the shift - secondhand is already ~10% of the global fashion market. But what role will brands and retailers play?
According to the report: 72% of retail executives, who don’t currently offer resale, plan to launch a program in the next 5 years.
The problem?
Most don’t know how.
Retailers recognise the need for action - from customer demand and sustainability mandates to the threat of losing brand equity on third-party resale platforms, the pressure is mounting.
But the biggest roadblock isn’t belief. It’s execution.
- How do you price takeback items?
- What kind of products should you accept?
- How do you scale operations without taking on too much too soon?
- Should you partner with a third party or build it in-house?
- How do you own the resale experience while keeping it cost effective?
This is where Tern can help.
You don’t need to roll out a complex resale ecosystem overnight. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Start with a single category or a small customer segment.
Gain insights on what comes back, how customers respond, and where the friction lies.
Then iterate, refine, and grow.
At Tern, we’ve built the tools to help you run circular retail programs on your terms - from eligibility and pricing rules to built-in logistics and resale-ready listings; whether you want to resell, recycle, refurbish, or donate - we’ve got you covered.
Resale isn’t just about extending product life. It’s about owning the relationship - with your product and your customer beyond the first sale.
Brands that take ownership of the secondhand journey gain:
- Valuable insights on product design and use
- Direct relationships with secondhand customers
- More control over pricing, quality, and brand perception
- Revenue from products they’d otherwise lose track of
You don’t have to do it alone. But you do have to do it.
Let’s grow the future of retail together. Contact us hello@tern.eco
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Explore the full ThredUp 2025 Resale Report
