As M&S announces its secondhand clothing store on eBay, Mairi Fairley, partner and chair at OC&C Strategy Consultants, shares how this strategic move takes the retailer from vulnerable to visionary. Fairley shares key insights from its recent 2025 second hand fashion report, showcasing the untapped growth for brands, such as M&S, with mid-market fashion revealed as the most frequently sold brands.
The second-hand fashion market is no longer niche – it’s booming at nearly 20% annual growth, with 30% of UK adults now buying second-hand and millennials leading the charge. Consumers see second hand as a way of getting better value for money – a critical criterion in the tough economic environment – better quality products at lower price points, and a way of making some extra money from their goods. Sustainability is an added bonus, but not the core driver for most.
“M&S’ partnership with eBay is a smart way to tap into this momentum. As volume in the first-hand market stagnates, it’s becoming essential for retailers to consider how they engage with resale and this evolving consumer behaviour – both to stay relevant and as a genuine growth opportunity.’’
