Vinted

Founded in Vilnius in 2008, Vinted, the Lithuanian unicorn, has established itself as an essential online platform for selling, buying and exchanging second-hand clothing and accessories.

Its modest origins can be traced back to a personal necessity when Milda Mitkute, faced with an excess of wardrobe during a move, found a solution with the help of her friend Justas, who developed a site to facilitate the sale of her items. Success came quickly, propelled by word-of-mouth, leading to both geographic and sectoral expansion.

In just a few years, Vinted has extended its influence beyond the borders of Lithuania, establishing itself first in Germany, then in France in 2013. Its growth didn't stop there, absorbing competitors such as United Wardrobe in the Netherlands in 2020, followed by Rebelle in Germany in 2022. This ascent was reinforced by the introduction of Vinted Go in 2023, offering users a convenient locker system for collecting their parcels.

Yet Vinted's impact goes far beyond its commercial success. By reducing the fashion industry's carbon footprint through the promotion of second-hand clothing, the company has avoided significant CO2 emissions. In 2021 alone, its efforts have helped to avoid the^CO2 emissions of 275,000 return flights between London and Los Angeles.

However, the road to a more sustainable fashion industry is still a long one. Vinted has taken the lead by publishing its first climate impact report in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to responsible business practice.

With 80 million members in 18 countries, including 23 million in France, Vinted continues to make its mark, offering an ecological alternative to traditional consumption.

Valued at $4.53 billion, the company has achieved remarkable growth, with sales set to rise by 65% to 245 million euros by 2021.

These figures illustrate not only Vinted's growing popularity, but also the extent of its positive impact in a sector that is notoriously polluting.

‍