Report Coverage
This report examines the retail trade in second-hand goods in South Africa, encompassing sales conducted through physical stores, stalls and markets, as well as online marketplaces and social commerce platforms. Excluded from the scope of the report are the trade in used motor vehicles and motorcycles, and the buying and selling of scrap metal. The report analyses the current state of the industry, key developments, emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges at local, regional, and international levels. It also evaluates the impact of factors such as unforeseen events, macroeconomic conditions, labour issues, technological innovation, input costs, government support, and environmental considerations. In addition, the report profiles 28 industry participants, including Books Galore, Cash Converters Southern Africa, Cash Crusaders Franchising, Luxity, Oasis Association, and the Rosebank Sunday Market.
Introduction
• South Africa's second-hand retail market has grown significantly in recent years, with consumers increasingly buying and selling pre-owned goods.
• This growth has been supported by expanded internet access and the growing use of online marketplaces and social media platforms, which have made second-hand transactions more accessible and convenient.
• Clothing has emerged as one of the largest and most visible segments of the market, with thrift stores, informal traders and dedicated resale platforms helping to normalise the purchase of pre-owned fashion.
• The sector also creates income-generating opportunities for households and small businesses that source and resell used goods.
• Rising living costs have encouraged consumers to seek more affordable alternatives to new products, while growing awareness of sustainability and waste reduction has strengthened the appeal of second-hand purchasing.
Trends
• Circular economy principles are shaping business strategies and public policy, increasing support for reuse, repair, refurbishment, and resale.
• Consumer attitudes towards second-hand goods are increasingly positive, supporting the growth of resale markets across a wide range of product categories.
• Digital technologies are transforming the sector by enabling online sales, social commerce, and broader market access for small traders.
• Growing environmental and sustainability concerns are encouraging consumers to consider second-hand goods as viable alternatives to new products.
• Retail innovation is diversifying the sector, with second-hand goods sold through both traditional and emerging formats.
• Small enterprises are creating additional value through upcycling, repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing services.
• The second-hand economy is growing strongly, driven by affordability concerns, digital platforms, and rising interest in sustainable consumption.
Opportunities
• Combining physical and online sales channels enables businesses to reach broader customer groups and expand beyond local markets.
• Growing demand for second-hand goods is creating expanding opportunities across a wide range of product categories.
• Low barriers to entry make the sector accessible to entrepreneurs, whether operating online, from a market stall, or through a dedicated retail outlet.
• Online marketplaces and social media platforms provide affordable access to customers and reduce barriers to market entry.
• Remanufacturing, refurbishment, and upcycling offer opportunities to add value, increase margins, and reduce waste.
• Specialising in niche product categories allows traders to compete on expertise, product knowledge, and curated offerings rather than scale alone.
• Strong product selection and pricing skills enable traders to build profitable, sustainable second-hand businesses.
• Support for circular economy initiatives is increasing recognition of resale, reuse, repair, and refurbishment as drivers of sustainable economic growth.
Challenges
• Access to finance remains limited, restricting the ability of traders to expand operations, purchase higher-quality stock, or invest in storage facilities, technology, and refurbishment capabilities.
• Competition from low-cost new products and online marketplaces reduces the price advantage of second-hand goods and increases pressure on margins.
• Limited infrastructure and insecure trading locations can expose informal traders to evictions, confiscation of goods, and crime.
• Managing inventory and cash flow can be difficult due to fluctuating demand, slow-moving stock, and the need to maintain a diverse product range.
• Poor-quality stock can undermine consumer confidence, increase return rates, and necessitate discounting.
• Regulatory compliance with second-hand goods and consumer protection legislation can increase administrative burdens and operating costs.
• Rising transport and logistics costs increase the expense of sourcing goods.
• Securing a reliable supply of quality second-hand goods at viable prices remains a key challenge for many traders.
• Uneven enforcement of regulations can place compliant businesses at a cost disadvantage relative to informal operators.
Outlook
• South Africa's retail trade in second-hand goods is expected to grow steadily over the medium term.
• Cost-of-living pressures, rising consumer acceptance of thrifting and pre-owned goods, and growing policy and industry interest in circular-economy principles are likely to sustain demand for affordable clothing, furniture, household goods, and electronics.
• The sector offers important opportunities for entrepreneurship, self-employment, and small business development, particularly within township and informal economies.
• The growing use of digital tools, including online marketplaces, social media platforms, WhatsApp, and TikTok, is enabling traders to reach wider customer bases and integrate physical and online sales channels. This creates opportunities to expand beyond local markets, increase stock turnover, and diversify revenue streams.
• However, the sector will continue to face significant competitive pressures. Low-cost imports and the growth of online-only sellers are narrowing the price gap between new and used goods, making price-based competition increasingly difficult.
• In an increasingly competitive market, second-hand retailers can differentiate themselves through superior product quality, repair and refurbishment services, specialist knowledge, exceptional customer service, convenience, and strong community connections. Retailers that integrate affordability, value-added services, and digital engagement are likely to be best placed to capitalise on the sector's ongoing growth.
Retail Trade in Second-Hand Goods in South Africa
2026
Full Report
R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1201.28 (USD)*
Industry Landscape
R 14 000.00(ZAR) estimated $ 840.90 (USD)*
Table of Contents
[ Close ]| PAGE | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | INTRODUCTION | 1 |
| 2. | DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY | 1 |
| 2.1. | Industry Value Chain | 4 |
| 2.2. | Geographic Position | 6 |
| 2.3. | Size of the Industry | 7 |
| 3. | LOCAL | 9 |
| 3.1. | State of the Industry | 9 |
| 3.2. | Key Trends | 11 |
| 3.3. | Key Issues | 12 |
| 3.4. | Notable Players | 13 |
| 3.5. | Trade | 16 |
| 3.6. | Regulations | 18 |
| 3.7. | Enterprise Development and Social Development | 19 |
| 4. | AFRICA | 21 |
| 5. | INTERNATIONAL | 27 |
| 6. | INFLUENCING FACTORS | 31 |
| 6.1. | Unforeseen Events | 31 |
| 6.2. | Economic Environment | 32 |
| 6.3. | Labour | 34 |
| 6.4. | Environmental Issues | 36 |
| 6.5. | Technology, R&D, Innovation | 38 |
| 6.6. | Input Costs | 40 |
| 6.7. | Government Support | 41 |
| 7. | COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT | 41 |
| 7.1. | Competition | 41 |
| 7.2. | Ownership Structure of the Industry | 43 |
| 7.3. | Barriers to Entry | 44 |
| 8. | INDUSTRY SUMMARY | 45 |
| 9. | OUTLOOK | 46 |
| 10. | INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS | 47 |
| 11. | REFERENCES | 47 |
| 11.1. | Publications | 47 |
| 11.2. | Websites | 47 |
| ANNEXURE 1 | 49 | |
| Industry Legislation | 49 | |
| APPENDIX 1 | 53 | |
| Summary of Notable Players | 53 | |
| COMPANY PROFILES | 58 | |
| BANGBANG VINTAGE MARKET (PTY) LTD | 58 | |
| BOOKS GALORE HEAD OFFICE CC | 59 | |
| C FOURIE | 61 | |
| C JOEL | 62 | |
| CAPITAL PAWN CC | 63 | |
| CASH CONVERTERS SOUTHERN AFRICA (PTY) LTD | 64 | |
| CASH CRUSADERS FRANCHISING (PTY) LTD | 69 | |
| CHIC MAMAS DO CARE TRUST | 73 | |
| COAT KING WHOLESALERS (PTY) LTD | 74 | |
| FOUR TIMES THREE SA (PTY) LTD | 76 | |
| FUNDRAISING SOLUTIONS CC | 77 | |
| GORILLA PHONES (PTY) LTD | 78 | |
| HAS BEEN OFFICE FURNITURE (PTY) LTD | 79 | |
| HELP THE RURAL CHILD NPC | 80 | |
| HOSPICE ASSOCIATION OF THE WITWATERSRAND | 82 | |
| I HEART MARKET (PTY) LTD | 83 | |
| JUNKIE CHARITY DEPARTMENT STORE NPC | 84 | |
| KOENS BUY SELL PAWN (PTY) LTD | 85 | |
| L FIELDGATE | 86 | |
| LUXITY (PTY) LTD | 87 | |
| NATIONAL CLOTHING DISTRIBUTORS (PTY) LTD | 88 | |
| OASIS ASSOCIATION | 89 | |
| OVERCOAT IMPORTER (PTY) LTD | 91 | |
| PRETORIA BOEREMARK (PTY) LTD | 93 | |
| ROSEBANK SUNDAY MARKET (PTY) LTD | 94 | |
| SWOPP BUSINESS (PTY) LTD | 95 | |
| UTURN HOMELESS MINISTRIES NPC | 96 | |
| VINTAGE WITH LOVE TRUST | 98 |
