The global second-hand market is allegedly booming, growing approximately 3x faster than the overall global apparel market (ThreadUp). Among circular business models, resale stands as the one showing real returns and returning behaviour, particularly among Gen Z consumers (BCG).
Beneath the celebratory headlines, there’s some key questions for sustainability teams to consider:
- Are resale models genuinely reducing our environmental footprint, or are they normalising overconsumption? A recent Nature study argues the latter. Affordability, not sustainability, is still the main reason people buy second-hand (BCG), so does resale simply make it easier to buy more?
- Why should CFOs, especially non-luxury ones, pursue resale when traditional linear models still generate higher revenue?
In this dynamic Dragons’ Den-session, we’ll hear from 3 practical case studies and dive into whether resale can and should scale further.
What to expect from this type of session...
You’ll hear a step-by-step breakdown of a very focused case study. From concept creation and business buy in; to identification of the right partners and implementation; to understanding impact and ROI. Always grounded in a real-world example, these sessions provide clear guidance and action points to take back to your own organisation.

