Uturn has opened its eighth store in Sydney this month amid a growing boom in Australia’s second-hand market.
The new store in Marrickville follows the recent opening in Bondi Junction in May. Uturn also confirmed that the new Marrickville store brings its Inner West store count to four.
“The Inner West community have long embraced Uturn as a destination for quality, affordable and sustainable second-hand clothing,” Uturn Group founder and director Alex Dimou said.
“We feel at home in the Inner West and are proud to open the doors on our brand new Marrickville store this September.
“With more stores on the horizon, we’re encouraged by the changes we are seeing to consumer behaviours. Not only do cost of living pressures and climate change necessitate sustainable and affordable solutions, but we are meeting new customers right across Sydney who are turning to second-hand as their first choice.”
The new store opening comes as Australia’s second-hand market is projected to grow at an annual CAGR of 11.88 per cent according to Credence Research.
The research firm projects that Australia’s second-hand market will hit $2.3 billion in 2032, up from $857 million in 2023.
Credence Research reported that the substantial growth reflects the increasing consumer shift towards sustainable fashion and the rising popularity of thrift shopping.
“Key drivers of the second-hand apparel market include growing awareness of environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and unique fashion trends,” the firm reported on its website.
“Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious, seeking alternatives to fast fashion that reduce their carbon footprint.
“Additionally, the economic benefits of purchasing high-quality, affordable used clothing attract a broad demographic.
“Trends as online resale platforms and social media influence are also contributing to the market’s growth, making second-hand shopping more accessible.”
Credence Research then named Sydney Melbourne and Brisbane as the key cities driving second-hand retailing, noting that regional analysis indicates that New South Wales and Victoria are leading in market share, driven by higher consumer awareness and robust retail infrastructure.
“Key players in the market include The Salvation Army, Vinnies and emerging platforms like Depop and ThredUp, which are enhancing market reach and consumer engagement.”
Meanwhile, global thrift retailer Savers is also growing its market share in Sydney, having already built two stores, including a “boutique” store on Sydney’s Oxford Street in Darlinghurst.