Japanese clothing retail giant, Uniqlo, shows signs of steering towards the second-hand clothing market, reflecting a growing trend for sustainable fashion. While the specifics of the strategy have not been disclosed, it is clear that Uniqlo plans to emphasize more on used clothing in coming times. This potential direction diversifies their retail offer and aligns them more with consumer preferences that are driven by environmental considerations.

In Japan, the second-hand market has been flourishing, driven by environmental awareness and slow fashion trends. Uniqlo's massive retail influence and its decision could further boost the market's expansion. The government and the public largely support sustainable initiatives, and this shift also reflects the societal values embracing recycling and lowering waste.

In the US and EU, large-scale retail stores have been part of the second-hand clothing market for some time. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Preloved dominate the US market, while Depop and Vinted are prevalent in the EU. Uniqlo's strategic shift aligns them with the Western market's direction while potentially reshaping the thrift store culture in Japan.