VYNT is Reshaping Nigeria's Thrift Fashion With Its Marketplace

There was a time when thrifting in Lagos meant sweating through Tejuosho, sifting through piles in Yaba, or bargaining at Katangua just to find a decent and affordable pair of jeans. Then, it came down to Instagram vendors posting curated outfits and WhatsApp groups, statuses, and channels buzzing with screenshots.

However, over the years, online thrifting has become a gamble, such that one minute you're excited about that “brand new Zara dress” and the next it's out of stock. Whether we're trying to make room or find a statement piece without breaking the bank, we reckon that the hustle is real, not for mere mortals.

As thrift fashion continues to grow beyond roadside stalls and Instagram pages, there is a need for a structured, fashion-forward resale marketplace in Nigeria, one that builds trust through verified sellers, ensures quality through item curation, enables secure transactions, and supports a seamless, tech-enabled circular fashion experience.

In a move to reshape the thrift experience, Tolu Okoya-Thomas, the Founder & CEO of VYNT app, launched an app that allows users to seamlessly buy, sell and find new thrift wears. VYNT offers an easy, secure, and community-driven alternative to the chaos of informal resale, making secondhand fashion not just stylish, but smart.

It creates a space for conscious customers and savvy sellers to connect, trade and transform the way we think about fashion by providing a platform for one-of-a-kind finds, creating a thriving economy for fashion lovers and taking a bold step at reducing fashion waste.

Source - Instagram

Nigerian digital thrifting has, over time, relied on word-of-mouth sales, online groups, and catalogue display of ready-to-wear clothes. VYNT offers a structured alternative that digitalises the entire process by offering a verified marketplace where sellers can showcase their items professionally. Buyers can also shop without hassles, and every transaction is tracked and secured through an in-app system that updates both buyer and seller in real-time, with payment held in escrow until the buyer confirms satisfaction. There are no DMs or guesswork incurred risks.

“Our goal is to give pre‑loved items a second lover and another chance at life,” says Okoya-Thomas, the founder, while discussing VYNT’s mission to promote thrifting and reduce fashion waste in Nigeria. “Whether you’re a student looking to earn from your wardrobe or a style enthusiast seeking authentic finds, VYNT is the app that meets you where you are.”

The VYNT includes features:

• It allows users to upload used clothing, shoes, and accessories for sale, and buyers browse a curated feed of verified items after creating an account as a buyer, seller or both. This ensures every listed item meets quality standards.
• It allows sellers to snap photos and list items directly in the app, with descriptions and prices. Items go through a quality check before appearing in the marketplace.
• It ensures every item is reviewed and approved before going live, thereby promoting quality and trustworthiness.
• The buyer’s money is held safely until they receive and approve the item. This reduces fraud and builds trust between merchants and buyers.
• VYNT handles pickup and delivery logistics (currently active in Lagos). There is no need for sellers or buyers to arrange transport or meet in person.
• Buyers and sellers communicate via secure in-app chat. Hence, no need to drop phone numbers or slide into DMs.
• The platform encourages style discovery and browsing, similar to Instagram or Pinterest, but with a direct checkout.

As the conversation around sustainable fashion continues to gain momentum, VYNT is emerging as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s circular economy, not just offering a platform to buy and sell pre-loved fashion but reshaping the way we consume style altogether. With its verified listings, in-app escrow system, and door-to-door logistics, VYNT takes the guesswork and the risk out of thrifting.

The VYNT app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.