Older generations flock to Vinted and Ebay for cheap second-hand clothes

Older generations are embracing second-hand clothing platforms such as Vinted and Depop, as shoppers become more aware of both the cost and environmental impact of their purchases.

Spending among over-55s on resale platforms such as Vinted, Ebay and Depop has increased 12 per cent over the past year, according to data from financial app Revolut.

And some resale sites have seen an even bigger increase among older age groups.

Depop has seen considerable growth among 45- to 54-year-olds, with the group spending 56 percent more on the platform in 2024 than the previous year.

Meanwhile, people aged 65 to 74 spent 32 percent more on Vinted in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Generally, online sales platforms have younger users, who are usually motivated by environmental awareness and the desire to get a good deal.

Statista data shows that the most common age of Vinted visitors is 25 to 34 years old, and 33 percent of visitors fall into this group. The vast majority of visitors are still under 44 years old.

However, as concerns about the environment continue to grow and many still feel the effects of the cost of living crisis, older generations are choosing to buy second-hand products.

Fiona Davies, head of growth for the UK, Northern Ireland and Nordics at Revolut, said: “We’ve seen a trend towards customers looking for affordable alternatives to their spending – this is further evidence of that.”

“From children to grandparents, it’s clear that smart spenders are looking for options that maximize value for money as well as offering sustainability, and resale sites are important in offering them that choice.”

The oldest group of shoppers, those over 75, have increased their spending on Ebay, Vinted and Depop by 18 per cent in the last year, more than the 13 per cent increase among younger 18-24s. years.

There was a 16 percent increase in spending by people ages 55 to 64.

Meanwhile, Depop saw people aged 55 to 64 increase their spending by 46 percent, the same amount as Generation Z.

Davies added: “We also know that many of our customers are aware when it comes to entrepreneurship, so re-commerce platforms also offer an easy way for people to sell their own items and earn some extra money. “.

‘My daughter suggested I start selling on Vinted’

Anne-Marie Vladar, 59, started selling on Vinted in May after her daughter encouraged her to register on the platform.

Anne-Marie told This is Money: ‘In the past I have used eBay to buy and sell various items and have also held the occasional car boot sale to remove my children’s old toys or clothes that no longer fit them. “I am now hooked by the simplicity and ease of use of the Vinted platform.”

Selling on the platform, she said, has allowed her to clear her wardrobe of unwanted items that she can pass on to new owners and give it a new life, as well as benefit from some extra money in the bank and the feeling that the clothes are not worn. is going to waste.

‘I think we should all start using this way of buying and selling: we should help the planet in some way by recycling our unwanted things. “We all have a lot of unnecessary things in our homes… I think our local stores and the post office are benefiting too,” he said.

‘I recently converted two friends, both in their 60s, to Vinted. They’re eager to get started, especially when they can see how easy the platform is to use.’

While she primarily sells clothing and shoes on the platform, Anne-Marie has used Vinted to make purchases beyond clothing, including books and CDs.

Ebay sees a boost among younger audiences

Ebay, which typically skews toward an older user base, has seen spending on the platform by 25- to 34-year-olds rise by as much as 95 percent over the past year.

Among the youngest adult group, ages 18 to 24, there has been a 90 percent increase in spending.

Ebay has recently announced that it will reduce buying and selling fees in a bid to compete with the likes of Vinted and Depop.

The site had already reduced its prices for second-hand clothing, but has now expanded it to all other items as well, aside from car listings.

Kirsty Keoghan, general manager of eBay UK, said: “The removal of selling fees across all categories is designed to give shoppers access to a greater breadth and depth of inventory, while creating a simplified and streamlined experience. for sellers.