The fashion industry’s shift toward sustainability has found a powerful advocate in Thrift+, the innovative pre-loved fashion marketplace that is transforming how consumers approach second-hand shopping. Based in South Bank, England, this platform has successfully raised $1.2 million in seed funding while establishing itself as a leader in the resale sector.
Making Secondhand Shopping Seamless
Thrift+ has distinguished itself by addressing the traditional pain points of second-hand fashion shopping. The platform operates on a simple yet effective model: individuals can easily sell their unwanted clothes, which are then carefully checked, cleaned, and listed for sale on the website. This streamlined process eliminates the hassle typically associated with peer-to-peer selling platforms.
Joe Metcalfe, founder and CEO of Thrift+, explained the company’s core mission: “Our mission is to end fashion waste by making second-hand hassle-free”.
The company began in 2017 when Metcalfe became frustrated with fast fashion’s environmental impact, recognizing that out of the 100 billion items of clothing produced each year, 70% end up in landfill or are burned.
Impressive Market Performance
The platform’s success is evident in its remarkable growth metrics. Thrift+ has facilitated the sale of over 1 million items worth £12 million, completing 175,000+ wardrobe clear outs and raising more than £2 million for charity. In 2023 alone, the company achieved nearly £3 million in annual revenue, representing a 36% increase compared to 2022.
The platform’s quality-first approach has resonated with consumers seeking both sustainability and style. Thrift+ offers an extensive selection of high-end designer items alongside everyday essentials, all quality-checked by their expert team1. This curated approach ensures that customers receive durable, stylish pieces while contributing to a more circular fashion ecosystem.
Strategic Brand Partnerships
Thrift+ has formed partnerships with several prominent fashion retailers, demonstrating the growing industry acceptance of circular fashion models.
Jo Jenkins, CEO of White Stuff, highlighted the importance of their collaboration: “We’re excited to be announcing Thrift+ as our official reselling partner. This is an important part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our impact on the environment, and we hope customers find it to be a really easy and rewarding way to give their old clothes a new home”.
Other notable partnerships include collaborations with Gymshark, Fatface, The White Company, Monsoon, and LK Bennett2. These partnerships allow customers to use co-branded Thrift+ bags to return unwanted items, which are then processed and resold through the platform.
