Latest news with #AlexisHoopes
Web Release
04-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Digital product passports could double fashion products' lifetime value – with consumers reaping the rewards
The economics of fashion resale is set to be reshaped by upcoming EU regulation, with a potential doubling of lifetime product value, and up to 65% of the gains delivered to consumers, research from Bain & Company and eBay, reveals today. The findings point to a transformative opportunity for brands to redefine the value chain around transparency, trust, and circularity – far beyond the immediate goal of regulatory compliance. As Digital Product Passports (DPPs) become mandatory for textiles from 2026 under the EU's Ecodesign Regulation, today's report shows these are not just a regulatory tool but a commercial opportunity. For example, a fashion item sold for £500 today could generate an additional £500 in resale and services when supported by a DPP, by improving trust, traceability and ease of resale. While resale platforms, brands and verification services benefit too, consumers gain the most. Many brands – around 90% of those surveyed by Bain – currently view DPPs primarily as a regulatory burden. But today's research encourages companies to reframe DPPs as a strategic investment capable of generating ongoing revenue, driving sustainability, and strengthening consumer relationships. 'DPPs are more than just checking a compliance box. They are a foundational shift in how value is created, captured, and sustained over a product's lifetime,' said Aaron Cheris, partner in Bain & Company's Retail and Customer Strategy & Marketing practices. 'Brands that act early can build a more direct, data-rich relationship with consumers, tapping into resale trends and personalizing services in powerful new ways.' DPPs are standardized digital records, accessible via QR codes, NFC, blockchain or similar technologies, and contain detailed information about a product's materials, components, origin, environmental footprint, and lifecycle. Designed to support sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and greater transparency, DPPs enable consumers, businesses, and regulators to trace and assess products throughout their lifecycle. Regulation meets opportunity Under the EU's forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), nearly every physical product sold in the EU will require a DPP by 2030 – yet 90% of brands still see this as a compliance burden, rather than a growth lever. The Bain and eBay report urges brands to shift perspective, urging that, rather than being 'red tape', DPPs should be regarded as revenue tools. DPPs will unlock lifetime value beyond the original point of sale, support circularity, and open direct channels to secondhand markets, the report finds. 'Digital Product Passports are critical to powering the future of circularity,' said Alexis Hoopes, VP of Global Fashion at eBay. 'As a global marketplace at the forefront of resale, we're exploring how better product data can enable smarter buying, responsible selling, and a more trusted platform. Unlocking value for consumers is a critical part of the connected product evolution.' From transaction to lifecycle The digital records within DPPs store verified product information on materials, origin, care instructions, ownership history, and environmental impact. These records enable brands to: Launch resale, trade-in and buyback schemes with confidence Offer tailored warranties, repairs and aftercare Track usage and extend product lifespans Report on ESG goals with greater transparency Consumers drive the change The Bain/eBay report highlights that consumers will capture most of the DPP-driven value. By removing friction – no more lost receipts or clunky listings – DPPs will enable one-click resale and boost confidence. As second-hand markets expand, DPPs can act as a flywheel for growth – deepening trust, expanding participation, and making circular shopping second nature. A call to move now With the 2026 deadline for ESPR nearing, the message from the report is clear: act early. The brands investing in DPP infrastructure today – engaging consumers and testing resale models – will be tomorrow's leaders in sustainable, data-driven fashion. Those that wait risk falling behind as the resale economy scales.
Fashion Network
25-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Digital product passports "could double fashion products' lifetime value" says Bain/eBay report
As fashion drives towards greater sustainability, resale grows in significance and consumers seek greater value from what they buy, a new study claims that digital product passports — or DPPs — could double fashion products' lifetime value. And it says that consumers (as well as brands) would reap the rewards. DPPs are standardised digital records, accessible via QR codes, NFC, blockchain or similar tech, offering detailed information about a product's materials, components, origin, environmental footprint, and lifecycle. They mean consumers, businesses, and regulators can trace and assess products throughout their lifecycle. Bain and eBay have got together to produce the study that 'urges brands to act fast' on DPPs, especially as new EU regulation makes such action a necessity. Their joint report said that as DPPs become mandatory for textiles in the EU over the next few years, their findings show 'these are not just a regulatory tool but a commercial opportunity. For example, a fashion item sold for £500 today could generate an additional £500 in resale and services when supported by a DPP, by improving trust, traceability and ease of resale'. That will benefit resale platforms, brands and verification services, as well as consumers. Digital records within DPPs store verified product information and enable brands to 'launch resale, trade-in and buyback schemes with confidence; offer tailored warranties, repairs and aftercare; track usage and extend product lifespans; [and] report on ESG goals with greater transparency'. For consumers, it means that by 'removing friction – no more lost receipts or clunky listings – DPPs will enable one-click resale and boost confidence. As secondhand markets expand, DPPs can act as a flywheel for growth – deepening trust, expanding participation, and making circular shopping second nature.' Unfortunately the current situation in the fashion sector with DPPs isn't very advanced. The report said that 'many brands – around 90% of those surveyed by Bain – currently view DPPs primarily as a regulatory burden. But today's research encourages companies to reframe DPPs as a strategic investment capable of generating ongoing revenue, driving sustainability, and strengthening consumer relationships'. Aaron Cheris, partner in Bain's Retail and Customer Strategy & Marketing practices, said: 'DPPs are more than just checking a compliance box. They are a foundational shift in how value is created, captured, and sustained over a product's lifetime. Brands that act early can build a more direct, data-rich relationship with consumers, tapping into resale trends and personalising services in powerful new ways.' Alexis Hoopes, VP of Global Fashion at eBay, added that DPPs are 'critical to powering the future of circularity in fashion. As a global marketplace at the forefront of resale, we're exploring how better product data can enable smarter buying, responsible selling, and a more trusted platform. Unlocking value for consumers is a critical part of the connected product evolution'.
Fashion Network
25-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Digital product passports "could double fashion products' lifetime value" says Bain/eBay report
As fashion drives towards greater sustainability, resale grows in significance and consumers seek greater value from what they buy, a new study claims that digital product passports — or DPPs — could double fashion products' lifetime value. And it says that consumers (as well as brands) would reap the rewards. DPPs are standardised digital records, accessible via QR codes, NFC, blockchain or similar tech, offering detailed information about a product's materials, components, origin, environmental footprint, and lifecycle. They mean consumers, businesses, and regulators can trace and assess products throughout their lifecycle. Bain and eBay have got together to produce the study that 'urges brands to act fast' on DPPs, especially as new EU regulation makes such action a necessity. Their joint report said that as DPPs become mandatory for textiles in the EU over the next few years, their findings show 'these are not just a regulatory tool but a commercial opportunity. For example, a fashion item sold for £500 today could generate an additional £500 in resale and services when supported by a DPP, by improving trust, traceability and ease of resale'. That will benefit resale platforms, brands and verification services, as well as consumers. Digital records within DPPs store verified product information and enable brands to 'launch resale, trade-in and buyback schemes with confidence; offer tailored warranties, repairs and aftercare; track usage and extend product lifespans; [and] report on ESG goals with greater transparency'. For consumers, it means that by 'removing friction – no more lost receipts or clunky listings – DPPs will enable one-click resale and boost confidence. As secondhand markets expand, DPPs can act as a flywheel for growth – deepening trust, expanding participation, and making circular shopping second nature.' Unfortunately the current situation in the fashion sector with DPPs isn't very advanced. The report said that 'many brands – around 90% of those surveyed by Bain – currently view DPPs primarily as a regulatory burden. But today's research encourages companies to reframe DPPs as a strategic investment capable of generating ongoing revenue, driving sustainability, and strengthening consumer relationships'. Aaron Cheris, partner in Bain's Retail and Customer Strategy & Marketing practices, said: 'DPPs are more than just checking a compliance box. They are a foundational shift in how value is created, captured, and sustained over a product's lifetime. Brands that act early can build a more direct, data-rich relationship with consumers, tapping into resale trends and personalising services in powerful new ways.' Alexis Hoopes, VP of Global Fashion at eBay, added that DPPs are 'critical to powering the future of circularity in fashion. As a global marketplace at the forefront of resale, we're exploring how better product data can enable smarter buying, responsible selling, and a more trusted platform. Unlocking value for consumers is a critical part of the connected product evolution'.
Fashion Network
25-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Digital product passports "could double fashion products' lifetime value" says Bain/eBay report
As fashion drives towards greater sustainability, resale grows in significance and consumers seek greater value from what they buy, a new study claims that digital product passports — or DPPs — could double fashion products' lifetime value. And it says that consumers (as well as brands) would reap the rewards. DPPs are standardised digital records, accessible via QR codes, NFC, blockchain or similar tech, offering detailed information about a product's materials, components, origin, environmental footprint, and lifecycle. They mean consumers, businesses, and regulators can trace and assess products throughout their lifecycle. Bain and eBay have got together to produce the study that 'urges brands to act fast' on DPPs, especially as new EU regulation makes such action a necessity. Their joint report said that as DPPs become mandatory for textiles in the EU over the next few years, their findings show 'these are not just a regulatory tool but a commercial opportunity. For example, a fashion item sold for £500 today could generate an additional £500 in resale and services when supported by a DPP, by improving trust, traceability and ease of resale'. That will benefit resale platforms, brands and verification services, as well as consumers. Digital records within DPPs store verified product information and enable brands to 'launch resale, trade-in and buyback schemes with confidence; offer tailored warranties, repairs and aftercare; track usage and extend product lifespans; [and] report on ESG goals with greater transparency'. For consumers, it means that by 'removing friction – no more lost receipts or clunky listings – DPPs will enable one-click resale and boost confidence. As secondhand markets expand, DPPs can act as a flywheel for growth – deepening trust, expanding participation, and making circular shopping second nature.' Unfortunately the current situation in the fashion sector with DPPs isn't very advanced. The report said that 'many brands – around 90% of those surveyed by Bain – currently view DPPs primarily as a regulatory burden. But today's research encourages companies to reframe DPPs as a strategic investment capable of generating ongoing revenue, driving sustainability, and strengthening consumer relationships'. Aaron Cheris, partner in Bain's Retail and Customer Strategy & Marketing practices, said: 'DPPs are more than just checking a compliance box. They are a foundational shift in how value is created, captured, and sustained over a product's lifetime. Brands that act early can build a more direct, data-rich relationship with consumers, tapping into resale trends and personalising services in powerful new ways.' Alexis Hoopes, VP of Global Fashion at eBay, added that DPPs are 'critical to powering the future of circularity in fashion. As a global marketplace at the forefront of resale, we're exploring how better product data can enable smarter buying, responsible selling, and a more trusted platform. Unlocking value for consumers is a critical part of the connected product evolution'.
Fashion United
01-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
What eBay's latest data tells us about the fashion consumer
In an industry grappling with overproduction, consumer fatigue, and calls for circularity, resale platforms are emerging not just as resale marketplaces—but as cultural barometers. eBay's latest Watchlist report, drawn from the behaviours of its 134 million users and over 2.3 billion listings, provides a timely snapshot of what shoppers really want this spring. The findings reveal a subtle reshaping of consumer values: heritage brands, utility-focused fashion, and romantic maximalism are all trending—but crucially, through a pre-loved lens. Pre-Loved moves mainstream In 2024, nearly 40 percent of clothing, shoes, and accessories sold on eBay were classified as "pre-loved", a significant shift in consumer behaviour that suggests secondhand is no longer niche—it's normative. The term 'vintage' is now searched more than 1,200 times per minute globally on the platform, a frequency that should give pause to traditional retailers still hedging bets on new-season volume. In the UK, Armani has emerged as the top-selling luxury label on the platform, while the Fendi Baguette and Omega x Swatch Moonswatch top the wishlist of discerning resale consumers. This appetite for luxury legacy—with a softened environmental impact—underscores a shift in how value is defined in fashion: rarity and provenance now rival "newness". Alexis Hoopes, eBay's VP of Global Fashion, sees the trend as part of a longer arc. 'We envision a world where circularity is the norm,' she notes, 'and we want to empower the entire circular fashion ecosystem.' Several key aesthetic themes have emerged from the report, each carrying implications for retail buyers, merchandisers, and brand strategists. Romantic bohemia, refined Boho has returned, but with sharper edges. Inspired by perennial muses like Jane Birkin and Kate Moss, this season's iteration is more editorial than festival. Think structured suedes, fringed accessories, and diaphanous fabrics rendered in elevated forms. Searches for the Chloé Paddington bag spiked 628 percent, while chiffon shirts (+86 percent) and 3D florals (+58 percent) reflect a craving for textured romanticism. Key item surges Fringe bags +41 percent Penny Lane jackets +44 percent Suede bags +58 percent Chloé Paddington bag +628 percent Tailoring as power play Power dressing is reasserting itself post-pandemic, but the silhouette has evolved. The cinched waist and sculptural blazer are having a moment, suggesting consumers are leaning into structured self-expression. Notably, searches for 'cinched blazer' rose 209 percent, with Prada work totes up 220 percent—indicating a revived desire for workwear with polish. Leading items Cinched blazer +209 percent Prada work tote +220 percent Oversized suits +87 percent (Balenciaga and Miu Miu top brands) Miu Miu Regard glasses +204 percent Hourglass blazer +141 percent Function meets fashion Utilitywear, tinged with Americana, is gaining traction—particularly among Gen Z consumers who prize functionality layered with irony. Vintage Carhartt , Tecovas boots , and canvas jackets are being reclaimed as style statements. Searches for 'barrel jeans' (+130 percent) and 'duck canvas' (+41 percent) reveal an appetite for workwear's raw edge reinterpreted for daily wear. Search growth Barrel jeans +130 percent Vintage Carhartt +29 percent Tecovas boots +15 percent Silk bandanas +52 percent Dior Saddle bag +63 percent Dreamlike hues and pastel play Colour storytelling is trending toward softness and sentiment. 'Butter yellow' dresses saw a 656 percent increase in search, while broader pastel categories also experienced growth. This shift towards whimsicality may indicate an emotional response to broader socio-economic anxiety—a kind of retail escapism. Pastel-driven growth Butter yellow +303 percent Ballet pink +42 percent Pistachio +70 percent Pastel tops +112 percent Denim's inevitable dominance Denim, always a fixture in wardrobes, is evolving once more—this time via archival appreciation. Searches for 'jeans from Japan' (+68 percent) and 'selvedge denim' (+46 percent) suggest a renewed interest in craftsmanship and provenance. As Amy Bannerman, eBay UK's Pre-Loved Style Director, notes, 'Denim gets reimagined every season. This time, it's about authenticity—original flares, raw finishes, and 80s cuts.' Denim data highlights Deadstock jeans +42 percent Vintage jeans +16 percent Raw denim +40 percent Canadian tuxedo searches +26 percent Implications for fashion retailers What eBay's data makes clear is that the consumer is no longer satisfied with just what's "new"; they are increasingly motivated by history, uniqueness, and sustainability. For retailers, this translates to curating around storytelling, sourcing with circularity in mind, and integrating resale into primary strategies—not as an afterthought, but as a growth driver. The rise in searches for previously unfashionable or nostalgic items—be it Penny Lane jackets or deadstock denim—points to a growing confidence among consumers to define style on their own terms, often guided by cultural memory and digital influence rather than seasonal trend cycles. In an era where the "new luxury" is defined by history and responsibility, platforms like eBay are not just marketplaces. They are mood boards, economic indicators, and—perhaps most critically—signals of where fashion is heading next.
