A 19-year-old entrepreneur from Cwmbran, Evan Sellick, has turned second-hand clothes into a thriving six-figure business, showcasing the lucrative potential of the second-hand fashion industry. Evan began his journey buying and selling clothes from his nan’s spare bedroom when he was just 16, with his nan assisting by washing the garments for a small fee.
As the second-hand clothing market continues to grow, driven by platforms like Vinted, Depop, and Tilt, more young entrepreneurs are finding success in re-selling pre-loved items. Vinted, a platform where clothes are traded at affordable prices, transformed a loss of £17.4m in 2022 into a profit of £15.1m in 2023, reflecting the industry’s rapid expansion.
With over 60% of millennials now opting for second-hand shopping, the industry is projected to double in value to £2.76bn by 2027. Evan’s success story exemplifies this trend, as he now operates from a rented warehouse in central Newport, where he manages his vast stock of second-hand clothes.
Evan’s business acumen has propelled him to an annual turnover exceeding £100,000, a remarkable feat considering his humble beginnings selling clothes from a spare bedroom. His dedication to the business is evident as he invests in stock, utilises social media platforms like TikTok for marketing, and even mentors aspiring entrepreneurs looking to replicate his success.
Despite facing challenges initially and feeling a lack of support in his entrepreneurial journey, Evan now stands as a testament to the potential within the second-hand fashion market. With his nan’s unwavering support and a keen eye for valuable items, Evan’s determination has propelled his business into a thriving enterprise, showcasing the opportunities present in the second-hand clothing industry.