Luxury shoppers turn to pre-owned Hermès bags to diversify assets

23:03   15 August, 2025

Hermès bags continue to dominate the secondhand luxury market. As these iconic pieces appreciate in value amid economic uncertainty, buyers are increasingly turning to the resale market to acquire coveted accessories, reports WWD.

According to Reklaim, which sells over 1.2 million bags monthly through its platform, the most popular brands remain Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Goyard.

“Customers are looking for something timeless that will retain or increase its value over time,” said Richard Ramirez, Vice President of Merchandising at Reklaim. “Purchasing bags from these brands has historically provided stable returns, and clients want to diversify their assets in safe and creative ways. Other sought-after brands are also popular because of the current economy—people want a bag they love at a lower price.”

Declining sales at LVMH and Kering have also driven shoppers toward the secondhand market, where they can control pricing and find desired bags at accessible rates.

The pre-owned luxury market continues to grow faster than the new goods industry. According to the Bain-Altagamma Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study 2025, the secondhand luxury market reached €48 billion ($56 billion) in 2024, up 7% from the previous year. The report highlights that pre-owned luxury items have become an “entry point” for buyers who cannot afford new pieces.

Prices on Reklaim vary by demand: Louis Vuitton bags, for instance, are often sold at a minimum 15% discount off retail, with some models discounted up to 50%. Meanwhile, Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags frequently sell above MSRP depending on the year, material, color, and other factors.

Ramirez noted that buyers are becoming more selective about spending and brand choice. He predicts that by year-end, the popularity of Hermès, Chanel, and Goyard may slightly decline, while Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Saint Laurent could see a surge, driven by holiday shopping.

“This purchasing habit is fueled by budget-conscious gift buyers seeking the best combination of price and style—recognizable, timeless, and wearable. As designer goods prices rise due to material costs or tariffs, buying pre-owned allows clients to get what they want within budget without compromising on style or quality,” Ramirez added.

Top 10 Best-Selling Bags on Reklaim:



© NEWS.am STYLE