Resale Revolution: Reinventing Shopping

With the growing popularity of secondhand shopping as a way to save money and embrace a vintage aesthetic, many consumers are turning to resale platforms. This cycle of circular fashion begins when a shopper purchases a garment, whether online or in-store. After wearing it extensively, rather than discarding it, many choose to extend its lifespan by listing it on resale platforms. This allows the piece to continue its journey, passing through communities of like-minded individuals who share a passion for secondhand fashion and conscious shopping. Eventually, as it moves from one owner to the next, the garment continues to be valued and appreciated, giving it a true life cycle. 

Resale platforms like Depop, WhatNot, Poshmark, and The RealReal are redefining fashion by promoting circularity, enabling consumers to buy and sell secondhand clothing, reducing waste, and extending garment lifespans. Meanwhile, rental services such as Rent the Runway, Pickle, and Nuuly offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion by providing access to high-quality, trend-driven pieces without the commitment of ownership. Together, these platforms and services are shifting consumer habits toward more sustainable, cost-effective, and conscious fashion choices.

These platforms promote the circularity of fashion and a financially accessible fashion economy. From a new experience, starting my own Depop shop, I have felt a part of this change and want to share it. 

The main incentive to join the Depop community is rooted in an interest in extending garment life cycles, accessing designer fashion or rare archival styles at lower costs, and gaining the ability to resell your purchases. It’s satisfying to keep a tidy wardrobe by shopping less and concentrating on timeless, versatile pieces. With thrift culture promoting slow fashion and Gen Z feeling more of a push for ethical consumption, Depop fosters a community of individuals on the same page who are trying to make money or buy new pieces to add to their wardrobes.

Getting started on Depop is more than just listing clothes—it’s about curating a shop that stands out. From setting up your shop and sourcing inventory to crafting eye-catching product photos and descriptions, every detail matters. Aesthetics play a huge role in attracting buyers, so developing a consistent style and engaging with the Depop community can make all the difference. Whether you’re flipping thrifted finds or selling your wardrobe, mastering curation and branding is key to turning your shop into a thriving business.

Running a Depop shop comes with its challenges—finding quality inventory, pricing competitively, and managing customer interactions—but the rewards are just as fulfilling, from earning extra income and promoting sustainability to expressing creativity through curated fashion.Rezi Ubogu, Syracuse University student and owner of the successful Depop and in-person vintage store, Releigh Freya, shares her advice for newcomers. The Releigh Freya Depop, coined “your closet’s latest obsession,” is a testament to how strategic selling and branding can turn a side hustle into a thriving business. Through careful curation and smart marketing, Ubogu has built a shop that attracts buyers and stands out in the crowded resale market. Here are her top tips for running a successful Depop store:

1. List Consistently — Regularly updating your shop with new items keeps it active and increases visibility in Depop’s algorithm. The more you post, the more likely potential buyers will discover your shop.
2. Create a Social Media Account for Your Depop Store — Promoting listings on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest can drive traffic to your shop. Engaging content, such as styling videos or behind-the-scenes sourcing, helps build a dedicated customer base.
3. Pay Attention to Trends —  Understanding what’s in demand allows you to stock and price items strategically. Whether it’s ’90s streetwear, Y2K fashion, or quiet luxury, keeping up with trending styles ensures your listings stay relevant.
4. List Items with Competitive Pricing — Pricing too high can push buyers away, while pricing too low may undervalue your items. Researching similar listings and adjusting based on condition and rarity helps strike the right balance.
5. Do Your Research – Understanding the true value of an item is key. Check market prices on Depop, Poshmark, and other resale platforms to price competitively. Also, writing clear, keyword-rich descriptions helps listings appear in search results. By implementing these strategies, Ubogu has built a shop that not only curates and sells vintage clothing, shoes,  and accessories but also connects with buyers looking for unique, secondhand pieces. Whether you’re starting or looking to scale your Depop business, these tips can set you on the path to success.

I started my own Depop shop about three weeks ago, and I can confidently say that these tips have been essential in setting up my shop successfully. To maintain professionalism and provide quick responses, I highly recommend keeping your Depop notifications on. This allows you to reply to messages and offers promptly, which can significantly speed up sales. Additionally, when someone likes your listing, sending them an offer can be a great way to encourage a purchase and close a sale faster. A thoughtful touch would be including “thank you for supporting my small business” cards with your packages, helping to build a stronger connection with your customers.

Fashion resale and rental services are revolutionizing the way people shop, making fashion more sustainable, affordable, and accessible. By embracing secondhand platforms like Depop, consumers can extend the life cycle of clothing, reduce waste, and even turn a profit.

Through personal experiences, it’s clear that success in resale comes from consistency, market awareness, and creative branding. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, supporting the circular fashion economy is a step toward a more conscious and eco-friendly future. So, start listing, start shopping, and be part of the resale revolution!

Courtesy of Depop

Depop website page storefront, Releigh Freya, where customers can follow and shop for items.