More than eight in ten people in the UK have bought pre-owned goods in the past 12 months, outpacing the global trend, according to a new report by eBay.
The online retailer has published its fourth Recommerce Report as it looks to drive awareness and interest in recommerce – the selling of previously owned items through online marketplaces to buyers who reuse, recycle or resell them.
Key findings from the report include that nearly three in five (59%) of global consumers bought pre-owned goods in the last year, while more than 70% of consumers surveyed plan to buy pre-owned goods this year.
Additionally, the survey found 65% of consumers aged 18-24 are most likely to have bought pre-owned goods in the last 12 months.
Across the world, pre-owned and refurbished goods make up 40% of eBay’s gross merchandise volume globally, while the number of sold clothing, shoes and accessories with ‘thrifted’ in the description increased by over 400% in March 2024 versus March 2023.
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The eBay report revealed that across the UK, nearly half (47%) of pre-owned items purchased in the UK were apparel (clothes, shoes, accessories), with tech/electronics coming in second-place for pre-owned purchasing at 37%.
More than eight in ten (85%) of UK respondents said they have purchased pre-owned goods in the past 12 months, outpacing the global trend, the survey found.
It also revealed that nearly half (45%) of people choose to buy pre-owned goods so it can save them money, allowing them to prioritise other areas to splurge in and/or if they are looking for a specific item they cannot find in a new condition.
Over half (51%) said sustainability is very important to them when it comes to buying pre-owned goods while 94% overall said it was very important or somewhat important.
Last month, eBay axed fees for people to sell pre-owned clothing on its platform saying the move will “keep more clothes out of landfill”.
