Post by Cristiana Grossenbacher, Co-Founder Loopia
The second-hand market is growing steadily and becoming increasingly relevant across all sectors. What was once seen as a stopgap solution is now a symbol of individuality, smart consumption, and sustainability. More and more retailers and brands are discovering resale as a valuable addition to traditional sales. Not only in fashion, but also in specialty retail for sports and tech products. In Switzerland alone, the second-hand market is currently estimated at around CHF 2 billion, with annual growth rates of 11%.
Two models have proven particularly successful: peer-to-peer platforms, where customers sell products directly to one another, and trade-in programs, where retailers buy back used goods and resell them themselves. Both approaches unlock new revenue potential, boost customer loyalty, and promote the circular economy.
Peer-to-peer: The community drives the cycle
Peer-to-peer solutions allow customers to pass on used products securely via a brand-owned platform, without the retailer needing to handle storage or quality control. This keeps the brand at the center of the customer experience.
Transa, the Swiss outdoor specialist, and Veloplus, the specialist bike retailer, offer exactly that through their second-hand platforms. Customers can resell their gear easily and securely in a trusted environment. At Veloplus, about one-third of sellers choose a voucher instead of a cash payout. This is a strong sign of customer loyalty through resale offers.
Trade-in: Buyback with impact
In trade-in models, retailers repurchase used products, inspect them, and sell them again. Often, this is tied to a credit that is applied directly toward a new purchase. This turns a one-time sale into an ongoing customer cycle.
Calumet, Germany’s largest specialist retailer of photo and video equipment, processes over 60,000 purchases online and in its stores every year. Around 50% of the returns lead directly to a new purchase. Thanks to automated processes, inspection, communication and resale are particularly efficient.
Calumet, Germany’s largest specialist retailer for photo and video equipment, handles over 60,000 purchases annually both online and in stores. Around 50% of trade-ins lead directly to a new purchase. Thanks to automated processes, evaluation, communication, and resale are particularly efficient.
A market between individuality and structure
Second-hand has firmly established itself in the premium segment as well. Reawake, for example, specializes in high-end second-hand fashion, buying, inspecting, and reselling items themselves. Through partnerships with Swiss retailers such as Bongénie Grieder, they’re reaching new customer segments.
Major players are also embracing recommerce. As reported by Handelszeitung in May 2025, IKEA Switzerland has bought back over 84,000 pieces of furniture since 2020. Galaxus reported 42% growth in the resale segment in 2024. Ricardo, the online marketplace, sold over 610,000 second-hand fashion items in 2024 and the trend is still rising.
Conclusion:
Second-hand is no longer just a side business. It gives retailers and brands the opportunity to expand their business model, reach new customer groups, and strengthen loyalty. Whether peer-to-peer or trade-in: the right model depends on the product range, target group, and internal resources.
Providers like the Swiss company Loopia help implement such solutions for retailers, from technical integration to process automation. Strategic second-hand thinking brings both products and customers back into the cycle.