What: Online resale platforms are shifting from offering vast inventories to providing curated, AI-enhanced shopping experiences that blend technology with human expertise.

Why it is important: This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward personalisation and operational innovation.

Online resale platforms are undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from the traditional model of maximizing inventory in favor of delivering more curated and personalized shopping experiences. This change is driven by evolving consumer expectations, shaped by digital platforms that prioritise tailored recommendations and streamlined browsing. To meet these demands, secondhand retailers are increasingly investing in AI and data analytics, which enable them to identify in-demand products, optimise inventory, and enhance the overall customer journey. At the same time, these platforms are integrating human expertise through collaborations with celebrities, influencers, and staff curators, adding a layer of authenticity and social proof that resonates with shoppers. Operational challenges unique to the resale sector, such as managing vast and constantly changing inventories, are being addressed through innovative technology and business models. As a result, platforms that successfully blend technological advancements with human touchpoints are seeing improved customer engagement, higher conversion rates, and greater profitability, positioning themselves at the forefront of the rapidly growing secondhand market. 

IADS Notes: Drawing on recent developments in the second-hand retail sector, the shift from mass inventory to curated experiences is increasingly evident as retailers prioritise quality control, brand partnerships, and hybrid digital-physical models, as highlighted in "E-commerce: the secret of second-hand fashion survivors" (April 2025, Journal du Net). This evolution is driven by changing consumer expectations for more personalized and streamlined shopping, with platforms leveraging AI and data analytics to optimize assortment, demand forecasting, and inventory management, resulting in measurable gains in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, as seen in "How AI-driven hyper-personalisation is transforming retail" (March 2025, Inside Retail) and "AlixPartners launches AI profit engine" (April 2025, WWD). The integration of technology is complemented by a renewed focus on human expertise, with leading retailers blending digital innovation and emotional branding to foster loyalty and deepen engagement, as discussed in "The future of loyalty, according to luxury department stores" (May 2025, Inside Retail) and "Why luxury resellers and department stores are rekindling their relationship" (August 2024, Vogue Business). Operational challenges unique to resale, such as authentication and unsold inventory, are being addressed through AI-powered tools and inventive business models, with profitability hinging on the ability to adapt and innovate, as demonstrated in "The business of second-hand clothing is booming" (March 2025, The Economist) and "Second-hand fashion creates only third-rate profit" (December 2024, Financial Times). This convergence of curation, technology, and human connection is redefining the competitive landscape for second-hand platforms.

Resale sites try a new strategy: sell less stuff