Resale Reinvented for India
My Role:
Research and Design
Focus
UI/UX Design, Product Design, Brand and Visual Design, Interaction Design, Circular Design, Sustainable Design, Systems Design
The rise of thrifting in India
Thrifting is gaining momentum in India, shaped by a culture where reuse and resourcefulness have long been part of everyday life. Traditionally, unsold or rejected garments made their way to street vendors, offering affordable fashion to young shoppers. In 2020, the pandemic became a catalyst, inspiring enterprising young women to turn Instagram into a vibrant resale marketplace for second-hand clothing.
The digital thrift marketplace
Instagram has quickly become a popular platform for fashion resale in India, particularly for thrifting. Sellers generate excitement through "drops," releasing limited collections that prompt a flurry of comments and direct messages from eager buyers. While this manual process can be chaotic, many sellers prefer Instagram for its low entry barriers and a strong sense of community. In contrast, established global resale platforms like Depop often overlook the unique needs of the Indian market, making Instagram a more appealing option for local sellers and buyers alike.
A chaotic Instagram comment section filled with comments from eager buyers
Thrifters want a platform built for them
Insights from the research reveal that the thrifting community faces several hurdles. As one seller noted:
Key challenges include:
- High fees on global platforms
- Limited customization for local preferences
- Manual and chaotic transaction processes
- No return or exchange options
A sustainable solution
Enter Regrab, a new platform designed to tackle these issues head-on. It blends Instagram's community aspect with streamlined purchasing features, allowing users to buy items instantly without waiting for seller confirmation. Regrab also introduces a bartering feature, enabling direct exchanges between users. These features not only enhance flexibility but also position Regrab as the go-to circular marketplace to encourage reuse and extend the lifecycle of garments.
Interactive prototype bringing the Regrab experience to life
The future of Indian resale
With India's resale market projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2032, thrifting is more than just a trend; it is a cultural shift towards sustainable and affordable fashion. Thrifting is redefining consumption, offering an eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion while celebrating individual style. The future of thrifting is bright, and it is just getting started.