Independent thrift stores across France are facing growing challenges as they struggle to compete with large online second-hand marketplaces like Vinted. These platforms have fueled a rapid expansion of the second-hand clothing industry, but many small, locally-owned stores are finding it difficult to keep up. Kilo Shop, a well-known thrift store in Rennes that sold clothing by the kilo, is set to close its doors. The store had been closed since 2003 before being relaunched as a franchise in 2021. However, it has struggled with the rise of ultra-fast fashion and changing consumer habits. A staff member, Frédéric, explained that the store can't match the low prices offered by online platforms like Vinted, leading to fewer customers and a decline in the quality of available items. In Vannes (Morbihan), nearly all independent thrift stores have shut down in recent months. Nouveau Genre, a store that opened in 2018, has stopped its thrift store operations and is now focusing on cultural activities. The manager, Camille Blondel, said the closure was not due to competition from Vinted, but rather from other thrift stores, especially those in the associative sector, which often offer lower prices. She explained that her store, which bought items individually instead of in bulk, wasn't positioned to compete effectively in that particular market niche. In response to these challenges, some independent stores are trying to reposition themselves by emphasizing quality and uniqueness over volume. Marie Payet, who opened Babetchka Vintage in Rennes a year ago, focuses on curating unique and vintage pieces from flea markets, antique shops, and private sellers. She claims this approach has helped her store thrive despite the struggles faced by other thrift stores. The global second-hand clothing market is growing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 10% and a current value of over 100 billion euros. This figure is expected to surpass 300 billion euros in the coming years. However, this growth is largely benefiting large online platforms like Vinted, eBay, and Vestiaire Collective. Maxime Delavallée, co-founder of CrushON and president of the circular fashion federation, noted that while thrift stores affiliated with larger companies can survive, small independent stores and resellers face more difficulty. He emphasized that independent stores must focus on their unique identity, the desirability of their products, and the overall customer experience to remain viable in an increasingly competitive and saturated market.