Publication: Second-hand clothing is accelerating the transition towards circular textiles

Publication: Second-hand clothing is accelerating the transition towards circular textiles

From curated vintage shops to fast-growing second-hand chains: the Dutch second-hand clothing sector has been booming in recent years. This rise fits seamlessly with national ambitions for a circular economy. New research by TheRockGroup and Invest-NL shows that the sector plays an important, yet still undervalued, role in the circular textile chain.  

New insights into a growing market

The 2026 report ‘Market research into the physical second-hand clothing market (multi-brand) in the Netherlands’ maps out the Dutch physical second-hand clothing market from a systemic and market perspective for the first time. It also highlights opportunities to further develop this sector as a lever towards the circular goals for 2050.

As part of the research, TRG conducted 24 interviews with second-hand clothing shop owners and stakeholders, surveyed 22 shop owners, and carried out field research in 50 vintage shops across the Netherlands.

Demand for second-hand clothing is increasing, partly due to growing interest in sustainability, affordability and unique fashion. Furthermore, second-hand clothing shops contribute to several objectives of the Dutch circular textile policy¹ , such as extending the lifespan of products and reducing the use of raw materials. By putting clothing back into circulation, these shops help to reduce waste and keep valuable materials in the economy for longer.

A selection of key findings:

• Steady market growth, reflected in a rising number of shops.

• 2 types of shops can be identified: chains and independent shops

• The shops use different business models, each with their own clientele and way of operating:
  
  • general stock-driven second-hand clothing shops;
  • curated vintage & pre-loved;
  • donation-based and
  • consignment.
• Physical second-hand clothing shops contribute to the circular economy through (local) cycles and visibility, have a positive impact on neighbourhoods and increase access to affordable clothing. Yet, they receive little targeted attention in area development, policy and funding.  

At the same time, the research highlights the challenges facing the sector. Rising retail costs, competition from online platforms and the rise of fast fashion causing the supply of second-hand clothing to deteriorate, require action from governments, customers and the sector itself.

The next steps towards a circular textile chain

The report demonstrates that physical second-hand clothing shops are a key link in the circular textile chain and highlights where policy, consumer awareness, funding and market development are needed to enable the sector to grow further.

Download the report via InvestNL’s website

In the coming period, TheRockGroup will collaborate with Invest-NL to put the role of the second-hand clothing market higher on the agenda with policymakers and supply chain partners.  

For questions and remarks about the research, contact our colleague Anouk at  anouk.van.oss@therockgroup.biz

For media inquiries, please contact connect@therockgroup.biz

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