Hypothetical company

1. III. Market Analysis
B. Industry Trends:
The top trends in the resale industry are:
1. Continued growth in the industry
2. Change in demographics and psychographics of customer base
3. Increased popularity of "vintage" and "industrial" looks in decor and
popularity of "retro" wardrobes are fueling resale popularity
4. Popularity of "treasure hunting" in resale stores.
5. The resale industry is becoming more professional
6. Social consciousness of the value of recycling and repurposing.
These trends are discussed in detail in the following paragraphs:
The resale industry is enjoying a growth trend. Some segments of the
industry have reinvented themselves, resulting in aesthetically pleasing shops
that are similar to retail stores selling new merchandise. It is one of the fastest-
growing segments of retail and competitive with new merchandise stores
because quality merchandise is sold at lower prices. The resale industry
performed extremely well during the Great Recession, adding jobs and stores.
Evidence shows that the resale industry will continue to do well. The customer
base is expanding and changes in culture and society make shopping resale
appealing. Specific statistics illustrate this growth trend.
Bureau of Labor Statistics employment in used merchandise stores:
2010
Over 125,000 employees
2012
Over 145,000 employees
Estimated by 2020
175,000 employees- A 20% jump in employment
The National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops (NARTS) emphasizes
also that resale businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of the retail
industry. Data gathered by the Oregon Employment Department showed that the
rate of spending on resale items increased by 19.5% between December 2007
and December 2013.

2. The clientele of resale stores has changed drastically in the past few
years. Resale shoppers include college students, bargain hunters, and women
ages 35–55 and men of varying ages. Younger people enjoy resale items such
as clothing, costumes, craft supplies, and furniture that they can refinish.
Secondhand clothing is popular and is sells well. It has been documented that
persons of all economic groups search clothing resale stores for special
occasions and costumes and for everyday wear. Many people value original and
vintage styles and prefer to shop resale instead of new retail. Treasure hunting
at resale stores has become very fashionable, aided by celebrities who enjoy
thrifting such as Julia Roberts and Zoe Deschanel. There are also TV shows
based on conveying the fun of making over and restyling resale clothing and
furniture.
Resale stores have become more professional in appearance, operation,
and management. They are mainstream businesses, with attention paid to
merchandising, organization, and cleanliness. Resale stores are now nice
places to shop and shoppers are comfortable in an environment which welcomes
them and makes them feel respected as valued customers. It is predicted that
stores who don't follow these new industry best practices and standards will
either fail or not experience growth.