Online ukay-ukay pa more: Pinoys shop secondhand fashion the most compared to those in Greater SEA
Filipinos have long been known for their love of ukay-ukay. There's just that thrill of exploring hidden secondhand shops, where unique finds, including occasionally branded items, can be discovered at bargain prices. From after-school ukay-ukay trips to weekend excursions to Baguio or Tagaytay, secondhand shopping has become a beloved pastime. And now, with the rise of online marketplaces, Filipino shoppers can easily access a wider range of secondhand fashion.
A recent study by classifieds marketplace Carousell revealed that the Philippines is leading in secondhand fashion consumption across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan with over 30% of regional transactions.
In its first "Year-in-Secondhand" insights, Carousell found that this surge can be attributed to several factors, including the growing eco-consciousness among Pinoys and the desire for affordable fashion.
Filipinos look for branded bags and dresses
The report highlights Women's Fashion as the most popular category for buying and selling, followed by Men's Fashion and Hobbies & Toys.
The popularity of search terms such as 'dress,' 'Zara,' 'Uniqlo,' and 'bag' suggests that Filipinos are actively seeking a balance between everyday casuals and trendier pieces from fast fashion brands.
Additionally, there's a growing interest in affordable luxury brands like Coach and Kate Spade, particularly for bags and wallets.
Aside from clothing, the rise of the Y2K trend among Gen Zs has been attributed to the searches for digital cameras, outpacing "iPhone" this year. Also in the top 10 searches are 'iPad,' 'Digicam,' 'iPhone 11,' 'iPhone 13,' 'Apple Watch,' 'dress,' 'laptop,' and 'iPhone 12.'
It also seems like Filipinos are still big on collectible toys. 'Labubu' and 'Sonny Angel' are proof, ranking 20th and 24th, respectively, in search terms.
With this, Carousell shared that Filipino sellers earned an average of around P39,000 this year from their secondhand sales, placing the Philippines among the top three markets in regional earnings.
The report also revealed that transactions are usually made from 9 to 11 p.m., with high engagement in browsing, chatting, and transacting after office hours.
Carousell Philippines Business Director and Market Representative Shine Resurreccion highlighted the country's emergence as a leader in sustainable fashion, particularly in the secondhand market.
“Seeing the Filipino community embrace pre-loved options as part of the circular economy is inspiring—they’re making impactful choices that are good for both their wallets and the planet. By choosing secondhand, our Filipino community has reduced environmental impact equivalent to xxx hours of Netflix streaming,” she said.
