# Swap Commerce Offering discounts for product exchanges, brands push for continued patronage. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 30, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/swap-commerce ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Swap Commerce trend? **Swap Commerce:** In an age where online shopping is growing even more ubiquitous each quarter, the scramble to encourage continued patronage when competition is virtually endless is intensifying the focus for retailers more than ever. As such, the seemingly retro concept of exchange for a discount is being adopted as a means to fulfill consumer demand for savings and brand requirement to have them return. This business model is also augmenting brands to be more ecologically sustainable as a result, thus broadening consumer perception. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 16, 2014 to Dec 31, 2015 - Published: May 30, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Swap Commerce trend ### Exchange for Discount The concept of exchanging an item for a discount is gaining momentum to attract customers and fulfill brand loyalty. ### Secondhand Commerce Secondhand shopping is becoming increasingly popular, with business concepts developed around bookstores, lingerie stores and furniture marketplaces. ### Pop-up Pawn Shops The concept of holiday pop-up pawn shops, where customers can exchange unwanted items for goods, is gaining traction as a new avenue to engage potential customers. ## What the Swap Commerce trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry Retailers can adopt exchange and discount models or facilitate secondhand commerce to cater to sustainability-minded consumers and beat out online competition. ### For Logistics and Transportation Industry With the rise of secondhand economy, logistics and transportation companies stand to profit from moving bulky, secondhand goods for retailers and individual customers. ### For Marketing Industry Companies are looking to engage their audience in unique, entertaining and beneficial ways such as holiday pawnshop pop-ups in order to promote brand awareness and social responsibility. ## Trend signals for Swap Commerce Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 80%, activity 68%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 80% - Activity: 68% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Swap Commerce trend 4 featured examples from Oct 16, 2014 to Dec 31, 2015. - [Secondhand Furniture Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/move-loot): 'Move Loot' Will Transport Heavy Secondhand Goods for You (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leverage the growing e-commerce industry by developing an online secondhand marketplace that offers transportation services for large items. - [Holiday Candy Pawnshop Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skittles-holiday-pawn-shop): The Skittles Holiday Pawn Shop Trades Candy for Unwanted Gifts (Category: Marketing) Implication: The candy industry could explore the concept of pop-up trade-in shops to create unique experiences and increase customer engagement. - [Lingerie-Swapping Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trade-in-old-clothes): This Store Allows Customers to Trade in Old Clothes for New Underwear (Category: Social Good) Implication: Fashion retailers could benefit from exploring sustainable and innovative recycling programs. - [Booze-Bartering Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/molasses-bookstore): Molasses Books in New York Lets You Trade Books For Beer (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Booksellers can explore the bartering model to incentivize book trade-ins and offer unique experiences to their customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)