Antique & Vintage "Resale" Market Numbers Surge

Markets Report Strong Sales Growth

Research Numbers Reveal Growth For Antique & Vintage "Reseller" Market

New York - According to the latest stats from a variety of decorative arts sources, industry experts, and business insiders, the antique and vintage "reseller" market isn't just holding its own these days; it's flourishing, drawing in a new generation of enthusiasts and proving its staying power in an ever-evolving retail landscape. While resellers were once seen as a group of niche enthusiasts working a side-hustle that often ran alongside established antique and vintage dealers, that defining line has now blurred, as the two categories have begun to morph into one, representing a more homogeneous group of decorative arts sellers with a wider offering of goods and services aimed at today's consumers.

So, what’s fueling this remarkable surge in the "used" marketplace? Well, according to some decorative experts it's a compelling blend of cost and inflationary fears, evolving consumer preferences, a strong lean towards sustainable living, and the incredible reach of online platforms. Imagine this: the "Vintage and Retro Goods Market" alone was valued at a staggering USD 75 billion in 2024, with projections to double to USD 150 billion by 2032. That's a compound annual growth rate of 10% – a clear sign that this isn't just a fleeting trend. Similarly, the broader "Second-hand Collectibles Market" is expected to reach nearly USD 249 billion by 2034, with antiques specifically showing robust growth. As one reporter from Business Ladder aptly put it, "The second-hand market is expanding at a rate 21 times faster than traditional retail stores," underscoring just how significantly consumer habits are shifting away from purely first-run purchases.

"Resale" Figures Hit New Highs

At the heart of this transformation are today's buyers, says Jenna Howard, a global market research analyst from Qualtrics, especially when one factors in the Gen Z and Millennial sectors into the equation. "These aren't just bargain hunters," she says, "they're driven by a desire for individuality and a conscious effort to live more sustainably. Instead of opting for mass-produced items, they're actively choosing vintage furniture, unique decorative pieces, and even retro clothing as eco-friendly alternatives." Howard says there’s a craving for pieces that tell a story, have a history, and offer a sense of personal expression that simply can't be replicated by new off-the-shelf items. "This new-nostalgia extends beyond mere sentimentality," she notes, "It's also about buyers making a tangible connection to the past and embracing those items that represent enduring quality." Howard believes her research reflects many of today's shoppers desire for something unique, and that the best way to create something like that is by blending materials from the past and present.

For researcher Divish Patel, of Cornerstone Analytics, the online marketplace has been nothing short of a revolution for the decorative arts sector. Platforms like eBay, Etsy, Chairish, 1stDibs, LiveAuctioneers, HiBid, and The RealReal have not only democratized the antique and vintage world, but they've also made many of these companies household names. "If you're not making money in the reseller market now," says Patel, "then you're doing something terribly wrong." According to Patel's research numbers, aggregated sales from the largest online reseller services are up by almost 129% over the last three years. "That's a phenomenal growth metric from any perspective," he says. While Patel acknowledges that not everyone in the industry may be hitting these figures, he attributes some dealers' lacklustre sales to the fact that they're simply not paying attention to current market trends. "I don't care how rare your Hummel figurines might be," says Patel, "if you're offering something nobody wants, it's not going to sell - no matter how strong the overall market might be."  

Vintage Kitchen & Barware Continue Price Gains

So, what specific treasures are flying off the digital and physical shelves? Vintage kitchenware (unsurprisingly), is making a huge splash. Data from the online auction platform HiBid reveals that the beloved Cornflower Blue CorningWare, once a common sight in every kitchen, continues to command astonishingly high prices, with some rare pieces fetching thousands of dollars. At the other end of the spectrum, aggregated sales from Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses are revealing a return to dark wood, and Tiffany themed designs with a greater appreciation for decorative motifs. Nesting somewhere in the middle, smaller auction venues are also posting finalised sales results that show a resurgence in price for many things Victorian - especially 'embellishment pieces' to mix'n match with more contemporary surroundings. All of which market analysts say points to the industry's strong growth numbers.

Victorian "Embellishment" Pieces

As resellers and antique dealers continue to forge ahead under a similar banner, many industry experts note they're already seeing the presence of a much larger "resale" market than ever before, with the combination of Millennial's and Boomer's helping to grow these numbers in virtually every facet of the decorative arts arena. Knowing whether this continued growth will persist into the future can be a difficult trend to forecast, but for analyst Divish Patel, the chances are good, "Our historical data shows that when you've had high inflation, accompanied by high food and retail prices, it almost always leads to a surging secondary market, and that's exactly what we're seeing today."  

- A.I.A. Staff Writers

NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. 

Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.

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