Tech
New tech frontier as resale moves from niche to mainstream | Computer Weekly
Recommerce, pre-loved, resale, or second-hand goods – whatever synonym one would like to use – is a big focus area for retail.
It has moved from niche to mainstream, according to the fifth annual Recommerce report from online marketplace eBay.
The report, published in November 2025, shows 89% of global consumers surveyed expect to spend the same amount or more on preloved goods in 2025 compared with 2024. With more than 27,000 people surveyed globally, including both eBay sellers and general consumers, it’s a comprehensive study that can be trusted.
A key finding from the report is that recommerce is no longer viewed solely as an alternative way to shop, but as “a conscious lifestyle choice driven by personal values, community connection and financial empowerment”.
As Jamie Iannone, CEO at eBay, says in the report: “Recommerce is redefining how people shop – led by a new generation that values connection, purpose and sustainability.
“Nearly 80% of Gen Z and millennials see themselves as part of this movement, turning their passion for preloved items into real impact.”
Iannone said eBay’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools are making it “easier than ever” for people and retailers to resell goods online and give them another life under the ownership of someone new.
And the reference to technology is a pertinent one, because there’s a whole enterprise software market forming to support this ever-burgeoning area of retail.
In 2025 alone, resale platform provider Archive raised $30m in Series B funding, with the cash being used to develop the company’s “resale intelligence software”, drive more global partnerships, and deliver product innovation and services. That was announced last February, and then, in June, Germany-based Brandback revealed it had raised $7.4m across its pre-seed and seed funding rounds to support its growth in the space.
Brandback’s investment is being directed towards enhancing its engineering teams, working on its own AI capabilities, and onboarding more global retailers.
In 2025, Computer Weekly covered mobile apps 2.0, electronic shelf labels, digital receipts and in-store tech to deter criminals as four of the hottest areas of innovation and investment in retail this year, and resale tech can be added to that list.
Digital IDs and one-click listings
Last year – 12 months on from its acquisition of digital ID and authentication platform Certilogo – eBay launched a click-to-resell feature using Certilogo’s connected product smart tags. It means consumers can list their clothing on eBay in a couple of clicks of a button, with the new feature built into Certilogo’s Secure by Design digital ID.
Italian outerwear and lifestyle brand Save The Duck was the first to pilot the feature, which allows sellers to scan a QR code on garments connected with the digital ID labels for instant online listing.
The scan prompts a “resell your garment” button on the item’s digital profile which directs them to check the authenticity of the item through Certilogo’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based ID system by signing in with their eBay account. Once the check is completed, an eBay listing will be pre-filled with information, but sellers can add additional information if they wish to.
In 2023, eBay introduced what it calls its “magical listing tool”, which uses AI to extrapolate details about listings from images, and allows sellers to list items quickly and ensure buyers have comprehensive product information before making a purchase. The marketplace continues to explore new ways of using AI as new strands of the technology evolve.
Tech behind the scenes
The list of resale tech providers is extensive; it’s a crowded market, but it also provides evidence of the consumer demand for buying second-hand items from their favourite brands.
Circular services platform provider Save Your Wardrobe’s co-founder, Hasna Kourda, says “more businesses want to take a chance” when there is huge interest in a market.
Indeed, Amazon-commissioned research by economic forecast group the Centre for Economics Business Research (CEBR) found two-thirds of Brits bought second-hand goods online in 2024. The online second-hand market is expected to be worth £4.8bn in 2025, according to the study, which cited cost-of-living pressures, wider availability of pre-owned products and environmental awareness as driving factors.
US-based Archive is working with companies such as The North Face, Lululemon and New Balance to allow these brands to run their own resale channels, while Treet kickstarted a resale platform partnership with online fashion retailer Oh Polly in May.
Resale as a service (RaaS) is a growth market, and it sits within a wider cohort of circularity platforms aiming to help retailers drive value from recommerce, repair and rental.
One prominent UK player in that space is Motherwell-based ACS Clothing, which calls itself a circular fashion hub and manages the logistics, such as cleaning, storage and transportation, for retailers that offer repairs, rental and resale. It also aligns with tech providers such as Archive when retailers opt to bring in a dedicated RaaS provider.
Andrew Rough, CEO of ACS Clothing, which counts formalwear retailer Moss and Scandi denim brand Nudie Jeans’ fast-growing UK arm among its customers, says the volume of tech partners complicates the market.
“They’re all selling a similar service and, rightly, make out their tech is the best – but this makes it a bit complicated,” he explains, adding that tech partner ACS has worked with in the past have sometimes been guilty of overstating what they offer retailers.
He says retail service providers should never give the impression they can do things they can’t, underlining how ACS does a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to support brands’ front-end recommerce.
Fundamentally, though, Rough thinks retailers that have not already done so need to get into the recommerce space, “otherwise they’ll be left behind”.
“Brands contact us saying they need to do something circular but they don’t know what to do, and I find that odd because they should be meeting the demands of their customers,” he notes.
“They say, ‘We don’t really want to be in resale,’ but the truth is they already are. If you go on eBay or Depop, people are buying the product, but brands and retailers aren’t part of the transaction and they’re missing out on a great opportunity.”
Save Your Wardrobe’s Kourda says her company is unique in its sector, and that the business continues to invest in its tech stack to make its platform as compelling and useful as possible as more companies seek circular services for their customers.
One investment has been an AI damage detector which Kourda says recognises defects and provides “an instant diagnosis before planning next steps for the best repair possible”.
Brands using it introduce their individual policies to the system so they can provide a tailored service to their customers.
“It was in answer to the lack of expertise in retail and shops, where there is a knowledge gap around repairs and warranties,” says Kourda. “The damage detector connected to our mapped-out aftercare services creates an integrated solution to help businesses in an instant, allowing them to direct products to the right category.”
Embedded resale and interconnectivity
ACS integrates into multiple major resale platforms, and in 2025, it invested in and expanded its tech to allow its customers to multi-list on Depop and eBay – and it will soon do the same with luxury marketplace Vestiaire Collective, according to Rough.
“Brands can now simultaneously list the same item on different marketplaces – if bought on one, it’ll be removed automatically from the others,” he notes.
“We have enhanced our own tech capabilities so a brand can come to us directly. The reason why a brand will go to an Archive or one of its peers is because they’ll build a frontend platform, but if a brand wants their items in eBay and Depop, we can do that for them.”
Rough says the likes of eBay and Vinted are actually “driving the cost of second-hand down”.
“We have been able to show when it’s a controlled branded marketplace, the same item can sell for ten times more because people pay more because they are getting authenticity and in some cases warranty – buying off someone you trust rather than not knowing who they are,” he says.
Improving capabilities
That embedded resale is what Berlin-based Brandback touts as the key to success in recommerce, and it has a growing team of engineers working on its proposition to ensure it continues to improve its capabilities. Its software integrates directly into online retailers’ baskets, listings and checkouts, and the company says it enables a “seamless” resale experience for customers while also unlocking new revenue streams for retailers.
For example, Brandback’s software allows its retailer customers to display resale values at checkout, which it says helps boost conversion rates.
It’s a sign there’s a growing number of consumers considering the afterlife of an item before they’ve even bought it new.
Often when it comes to sustainability and technology strategy, retailers will launch things their customers have not necessarily requested. Moves will be made in the name of corporate social responsibility, meeting new legislation, or innovation for innovation’s sake.
Through its recommerce report, eBay is highlighting how consumers truly want more resale options. And according to the marketplace, shoppers are embracing recommerce for both practical and purposeful reasons, “balancing financial motivation with values-driven intent”.
Saving money
Some 81% of consumers cite saving money as one of the key reasons for buying pre-loved goods, with 45% referencing sustainability and environmental benefits.
Intriguingly, 63% of consumers consider themselves part of a “recommerce community”, with that number rising to almost 80% among Gen Z and millennials. For years, online retail has always lagged behind physical retail stores in terms of the interaction and personal relationships it can foster, but with the continued rise of recommerce, this is changing.
All of this bodes well for the tech market in the resale space, which also features software providers such as Trove, Faume and Zeercle, as well as dedicated platforms such as The Little Loop.
Depop and Vinted sit alongside eBay as tech-enabled marketplaces looking to support the growing pre-loved market.
Kourda argues that adding the option of a repair warranty and embedding it alongside resale might help luxury retailers and brands get more from the recommerce space.
“There is still maturity to come in the market – if you add repair you can increase value to the items they sell and help convert a second-hand purchase,” she says.
Room for evolution
There’s certainly room for the recommerce market – and the tech supporting it – to evolve in the 12 months ahead. And it will, according to Rough.
“It’s inevitable there’ll be consolidation in the market,” he argues.
“If you go back to the explosion of the internet and e-commerce – brands began by outsourcing it and got third parties to build websites then they went in-house. Recommerce could go down this route – there’s bound to be consolidation, and brands will want to do it themselves.
“The tech partners are a stepping stone to where retailers and brands will ultimately get to,” says Rough.
Tech
Traces of Leonardo da Vinci’s DNA May Have Been Discovered on a Red Chalk Drawing Called ‘Holy Child’
Researchers from the Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project (LDVP) report that by analyzing the drawing of Holy Child and other Renaissance artifacts, such as letters written by a da Vinci relative, they have recovered some Y chromosome DNA sequences that appear to belong to a genetic group of people with common ancestors in Tuscany, where the genius and Renaissance master was born in 1452. The findings, first reported in Science, could be the first time scientists have identified DNA from da Vinci himself.
The DNA
Historical artifacts can accumulate DNA from the environment and potentially offer useful information about the people who created and handled them. Gathering that material on such precious objects without damaging or contaminating them, though, is a complex challenge. Today, decisions about the authorship of a work depend on expert opinion—for example, on how a brushstroke was created.
The LDVP researchers therefore used an extremely gentle swabbing method to attempt to collect biological material. They then extracted small amounts of DNA, which provided useful information. “We recovered heterogeneous mixtures of nonhuman DNA,“ states the study, published in the preprint journal bioRxiv, “and, in a subset of samples, sparse male-specific human DNA signals.”
The da Vinci Clue
From the analysis the researchers concluded that they found the closest match within the broad E1b1b lineage on the Y chromosome (whose sections are passed on almost unchanged from father to son) that is now commonly found in southern Europe, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Some of the DNA, they say, may have come from Leonardo da Vinci himself.
“Across multiple independent swabs from Leonardo da Vinci–associated items, the obtained Y chromosome marker data suggested assignments within the broader E1b1/E1b1b clade,” the study reads. The results also indicate mixed DNA contributions associated with the source materials, though, consistent with modern handling.
“Together, these data demonstrate the feasibility as well as limitations of combining metagenomics and human DNA marker analysis for cultural heritage science,” the paper reads, “providing a baseline workflow for future conservation science studies and hypothesis-driven investigations of provenance, authentication and handling history.”
Further Investigation
While the researches have demonstrated an innovative approach, they acknowledge that they didn’t come back with conclusive evidence. Although the data suggest that the DNA could be da Vinci’s, asserting that any trace of DNA in the artifacts actually belongs to him is very complicated. “Establishing an unequivocal identity … is extremely complex,” David Caramelli, an anthropologist at the University of Florence and LDVP member, told Science.
This is because scientists cannot verify the genetic sequences of the artifacts by comparing them with DNA known to have been taken from Leonardo da Vinci himself; there are still no confirmed samples. Moreover, da Vinci had no known direct descendants, and his burial site was breached in the early 19th century. Encouraged by the first clue about da Vinci’s DNA, LDVP scientists now hope to convince the custodians of Leonardo’s works and notebooks to allow them further sampling that could solve the case.
This story originally appeared in WIRED Italia and has been translated from Italian.
If you’ve been following last year’s smart ring drama, you may have seen that the number of health-tracking rings you can buy has shrunk since October 21, 2025.
As we reported in August, the US International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Oura in a patent case in which Oura alleged that its competitors RingConn and Ultrahuman had infringed on the company’s patent for a smart ring that tracks health and fitness stats. Oura’s victory subsequently led to RingConn and Ultrahuman being banned from importing new rings into the US.
The lawsuit was bad news for both Oura competitors, and especially Ultrahuman, which had planned to expand its US-based manufacturing facility to meet growing market demand (and ostensibly to also get around the new US tariffs). Ultrahuman is distinguished from Oura in that its smart ring does not have a subscription; Oura users pay $6 per month to use its rings.
I caught up briefly with Ultrahuman’s chief business officer, Bhuvan Srinivasan, to clarify the company’s next steps to address the US market, and find out more about the latest smart ring squabbles.
Why Were the Rings Banned?
The ITC ruled that RingConn and Ultrahuman had infringed on the 178 patent, which protects a specific ring hardware design—for example, if the ring has a layered arrangement with internal and external components housing interior electrical components.
If you think this is a surprisingly broad description that can cover … well, pretty much any smart ring, or a wide range of electronic devices in general, you are correct. Over the past few years, many smart ring manufacturers have been embroiled in legal disputes over this patent.
This has panned out in a few different ways. In 2024, Oura announced that it had reached a multi-year licensing agreement with Circular, the French smart ring manufacturer, that would allow Circular to continue selling new rings in the US. (This move looks a little less generous when you consider that my two-week testing period of the Circular Ring 2 was plagued with server and connection issues.)
Also in 2024, Samsung attempted to preemptively sue Oura against future patent infringement claims in a case which a judge dismissed. Samsung’s concerns were not unwarranted. In late 2025, Oura then filed another complaint against Samsung (the Galaxy Ring), Reebok (the Reebok smart ring), Zepp Health (Amazfit ring), and Nexxbase (the Luna Ring). Oura then reached a licensing agreement with RingConn and another competitor, Omate, that would allow the company to continue selling rings in the United States.
When Joseph Pilates developed what he first called Contrology in the early 20th century, there were no dedicated studios or intimidating contraptions. There wasn’t even a reformer yet. (That came later, improvised from leather straps and hospital bed frames.) The idea was simple then, and it still is now: Pilates asks you to work with what you already have. Your body does the work, and a mat just makes it more comfortable.
Pilates is about moving with intention. Total body exercises are rooted in precision and balance, favoring slow, controlled movements over momentum or strength. Full range of motion, emphasizing time under tension, deep core engagement, and uniformity of mind, body, and spirit are emphasized. It sounds peaceful, but it’s not exactly the easiest workout.
The right gear won’t do the workout for you, but it can make it more comfortable, more effective, and frankly, more fun. Below, we’ve gathered the best Pilates equipment worth having for home workouts, whether you’re a beginner or deep in your Pilates princess era. For more wellness recommendations, check out our other guides, including the Best Protein Powders, Best Massage Guns, and Yoga Mats, Props, and Everything Else You Need for Your Practice.
Featured In This Guide
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Pilates Clothes
Nothing motivates me to work out quite like a great Pilates outfit. You can technically wear just about anything, but I would stick to more fitted activewear, so your Pilates instructor can check your form. Avoid loose or oversized clothing, and prioritize stretchy fabrics that won’t restrict movement. This lineup of athleisure has been tried and tested in Pilates; they move well, feel comfortable, and hold up every session.
If you buy one thing, make it grippy socks. Whether you’re on a mat or a reformer machine, those rubberized soles help prevent slipping and sliding, giving you better traction and stability during movements. A good pair can also offer light cushioning and arch support. If you’re practicing in a shared studio or using communal equipment, breathable Pilates socks are a hygienic upgrade, too.
We want our bottoms to stay put through roll-ups, leg circles, and long pulses, without digging or losing shape. They also need to be squat-proof. High-waisted leggings (full-length or capri) made from a soft, stretchy fabric are ideal for Pilates and other low-impact workouts. Biker shorts also work, but in a heated class, an extra layer of fabric can help maintain grip on props during leg work.
These are the best leggings for Pilates based on our testing, including a Lululemon biker short we love. For more favorites, check out our Best Leggings guide.
For Pilates, look for low- to medium-impact styles that are typically supportive without feeling compressive. I gravitate toward wide bands with no underwires that won’t dig in during floor work, but I’m also aware that those features might not be supportive for bigger busts. These are our top favorites, including a posture-correcting bra if alignment or lower back pain is a concern. For more picks, check out our Best Sports Bras guide.
An all-in-one jumpsuit with a built-in bra takes the guesswork out of getting dressed for Pilates. Our favorites offer supportive, comfortable coverage that moves with you from warm-up to cooldown.
Pilates-Specific Gear
You can absolutely do Pilates with nothing but yourself, but if you want to turn up the intensity or vary your workout routines, here are a few must-haves.
Exercise mats are essential because they deliver much-needed padding to cushion your joints during floor work. The proper ones are designed with a grippy, textured surface for added traction. They keep you steady, supporting better control. And they serve as a protective barrier between your skin and the yucky floor.
I also always need a towel when working out, and if you’re taking a heated class, this is especially necessary to absorb sweat. Pro tip: You can also turn your towel into a resistance band by twisting it and pulling against it. For more picks, check out our Best Yoga Mats guide.
You don’t need to splurge on a $2,000 reformer to practice Pilates at home. I take heated mat Pilates at my local fitness studio twice a week, and we usually use a combination of props: an exercise ball, Pilates ring (aka. a magic circle), and light weights. I like to use 2- or 3-pound dumbbells, but wrist and ankle weights don’t require grip strength and still add extra intensity to your full-body Pilates workout. Core sliders, which go under your hands or feet, add resistance to your movements and are an affordable alternative to the springs of a reformer.
We’ve spotlighted a few of our favorites below, but you can find more tested picks in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide.
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