Shoppers are becoming more likely to buy or sell second-hand products, a new study suggests. The shift towards second-hand comes as more online platforms support sales of used products, which are also available through a wide range of charity shops – online and offline.
The BRC-Opinium survey, run for the second year questioned 2,000 UK adults. It found that shoppers were most likely to buy or sell second-hand adult clothing, with 43% of respondents doing so, although this was down from 43% last year. Books, CDs and DVDs were among the most likely items for shoppers to trade second-hand (+2pp to 37%), while 29% (-3pp) had bought or sold used footwear.
The fastest growth was in furniture (+6pp to 21%), followed by smaller electronics (+5pp to 21%).
Shopper attitudes varied by age, with Gen Z respondents (18-27) most likely to buy or sell second-hand items in all categories except children’s clothing. There was a marked increase in the proportion of Gen Z respondents buying used smartphones and laptops. But Baby Boomers, aged 60+, reported an increase in the rate at which they bought and sold second-hand furniture.
Graphic courtesy of BRC
Sophie De Salis, sustainability policy advisor at the British Retail Consortium, says: “It is great to see so many people, across all generations, embracing the circular economy. Second-hand is no longer seen as second best. It has become a first choice for sustainability, affordability and individuality. With many retailers now offering their own pre-loved collections, and so many great resale platforms, online marketplaces and charity shops – customers are spoilt for choice.”
Neill O’Sullivan, managing director of parcels and mails at the Post Office says: “We’ve seen the surge in demand as customers rush to the second-hand market to find affordable products, or bring in some extra cash by offloading unloved items.”
