Walmart partners with thredUP

Global retailer Walmart has partnered with thredUP, a resale platform for fashion and accessories at mass-market prices, thereby foraying into the fashion resale segment. Customers will now be able to shop over 750,000 pre-owned items across women’s and children’s clothing, accessories, footwear and handbags on Walmart.com.

According to thredUP’s 2020 Annual Resale Report, 70% of consumers have bought or are now willing to buy second-hand. The partnership with thredUP will help to establish Walmart.com as a destination for fashion and offer customers pre-owned items they might be looking for.

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“Over the last few years, we’ve focused on expanding our assortment of quality, on-trend, accessible fashion to help customers outfit themselves no matter their personal style or budget. In fact, we’ve added nearly 1,000 brands to our online assortment, including national brands like Champion, Jordache and Levi Strauss. We also offer private label brands Time and Tru, Terra & Sky, Wonder Nation and George, and customers love our exclusive, elevated brands like Scoop, Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara and EV1 by Ellen DeGeneres,” said Denise Incandela, head of fashion, Walmart US e-commerce.

Alongside offering attractive pricing, garments available are chosen based on quality and condition.  In addition, customers will be able to avail Walmart’s free shipping option on orders of $35 or more and free returns to Walmart stores or thredUP.

“We are excited to join forces with Walmart to power a sustainable, second-hand shopping experience unlike any other. From Calvin Klein and Nike to Coach and Michael Kors, this digital partnership enhances Walmart’s fashion offering with fresh brands at amazing prices that their customers will love,” added Jenn Volk, director of product management, thredUP.

Overall, the fashion resale market has been growing due to consumers’ choice to shop sustainably and clothing rental is a trendy option. More recently, the COVID-19 has contributed to significant changes in consumption patterns. Amidst a lot of uncertainty, consumers around the world are considering curbing non-essential consumption, which could add fillip to the re-commerce industry. Moreover, when events and gatherings resume, a pent-up demand for formal wear could further boost the fashion resale market.

However, a setback could be heightened hygiene concerns in the post-COVID world. Consumers might become wary about buying pre-owned or renting clothes.

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