The US, Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom dominate the second-hand market, according to the Public Desire study

Conducted by Public Desire, a global online footwear brand, a study focused on thrift culture highlights the countries where second-hand shopping is most popular.

Using metrics such as the number of second-hand stores in each country, the size of the resale market, and the annual growth of second-hand businesses, the study focused primarily on the United States with the best second-hand clothing culture. hand of the world world.

“The United States ranks first not only with an impressive 3,110,000 online searches for thrift stores, but also with the largest resale market valued at $39 billion,” according to the study. “In detail, the United States has 28,849 second-hand stores, the second on the list. In particular, 93% of the population makes second-hand purchases online, making the United States a leader in this sector.”

Secondly, the UK has a thriving second-hand market worth $3.3 billion, supported by 4,082 second-hand stores. With the highest annual growth rate of 27.2% and 70% of the population participating in second-hand shopping, the UK shows a significant increase in sustainable fashion practices.

Sweden is another key player. It ranks third, with a second-hand market valued at $8.18 billion, among the top three on the list.

“With 75% of the population having bought second-hand items at least once and with a constant annual growth of 2.04%, Sweden displays an excellent second-hand culture,” the study also states.

“The rise in second-hand shopping is testament to a global shift towards sustainable consumerism,” the study summarized. “As shown in this study, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan are leading the way with impressive numbers in both market size and public participation. This growing trend not only reflects a conscious effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability, but also highlights the economic benefits of a thriving resale market.”

Fourth, the Netherlands has 4,326 second-hand stores and a resale market valued at $622 million. With 73% of the population dedicated to second-hand purchases and a healthy annual growth rate, the country demonstrated a growing culture of savings.

Japan occupies fifth place, standing out with the largest number of second-hand stores, with a total of 483,000. That's 10 times more than the UK and 15 times more than the US. The country's resale market is valued at $18 billion, second on the list. “Although only 30% of the Japanese population participates in second-hand shopping, Japan's extensive store network indicates a strong savings culture,” the study states.

Germany, in sixth place, has 11,600 second-hand stores and a market valued at $3.1 million.

“Despite a slight drop of 1.1% in annual growth, 75% of the population is still actively purchasing second-hand items, highlighting a strong cultural commitment to sustainable fashion,” the study adds.

The next country is Canada, with a second-hand market valued at $2.6 billion and 2,823 second-hand stores. Denmark is in eighth place, with 84% of the population dedicated to second-hand shopping. Austria ranks ninth with the highest percentage of population engaged in second-hand shopping at 85%, while in tenth place, Belgium's commitment to sustainability is clear through the size of its $500 million market. backed by 2,263 second-hand stores.