The UAE’s luxury image undergoes a shift as secondhand shopping gains popularity
Driven by sustainability concerns and evolving consumer habits, preloved fashion and goods, from designer clothing to vintage furniture, are gaining traction. This trend towards conscious consumption combines affordability, style, and ethics, marking a significant shift in the retail sector of the region.
The UAE is internationally recognized for its lavish skyscrapers, expansive malls, and luxurious shopping experiences. While fast fashion and luxury brands dominate the retail scene from the Dubai Mall to Mall of the Emirates, an undercurrent of conscious consumerism is emerging. A rising number of UAE residents are embracing thrift shopping for various items including fashion, furniture, collectibles, and baby gear. The pre-loved market, once niche, is rapidly expanding, driven by environmentally conscious younger consumers and supported by social media-driven thrift communities, physical stores, and curated pop-ups. The growth is substantial, with the secondhand apparel market in the GCC expected to reach $1.3 billion in value by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 11.6% and reaching $4 billion by 2035. These figures indicate the mainstreaming of preloved items.
Key Drivers of the Secondhand Boom:
- Sustainability Awareness: Reflecting on the UN Environment Programme data that suggests making a single pair of jeans requires around 3,781 litres of water, consumers are turning to thrift shopping as a more environmentally friendly alternative.
- High-Quality Imports: The UAE ranks as the second-largest global importer of used clothing, importing goods worth $237 million in 2023 from countries like the UK, US, Australia, China, and Spain.
- Digital Resale Culture: Online platforms, Instagram stores, and app-based businesses are making secondhand shopping not only convenient but also sustainable.
- Youth-Driven Minimalism: Young consumers are choosing thrift shopping not just for budget reasons but also for ethical considerations and fashion uniqueness.
- Circular Economy Adoption: Repair, upcycling, and reselling are becoming integral to the region’s evolving retail landscape.
Whether one seeks a vintage designer bag, a retro Y2K dress, a vinyl record, or a refurbished Eames chair, the UAE’s thrift scene caters to diverse tastes. For instance, Garderobe, located in Villa 1224 – Al Wasl Rd – Umm Suqeim 2 – Dubai, offers preloved luxury fashion pieces from Chanel, Dior, and Manolo Blahnik at discounted rates. Garderobe also provides a platform for consignment of high-end wardrobes.
Thrift for Good, operating in Times Square Center, Al Quoz, and Golden Mile Galleria, is a social enterprise diverting 100% of profits to children’s charities via its partnership with Gulf for Good. It offers apparel, accessories, and hosts sustainability workshops including natural dyeing and composting sessions.
