UK leads global shift to second-hand shopping with fashion the key driver

The UK is leading a global movement to second-hand shopping, with pre-loved fashion  “driving a cultural style shift”, especially among Gen Z and Millennials.

That’s according to eBay’s fifth annual Recommerce Report, which polled 27,000 consumers and eBay sellers worldwide on their pre-loved shopping perceptions and behaviours.

Clothes came in as the most common item that respondents purchase second-hand (72%), followed by shoes (43%).

UK shoppers are “global leaders” in purchasing pre-loved items, with nearly half (46%) of those surveyed buying second-hand goods at least once a month, higher than any other market surveyed.
What’s more, 92% of UK respondents plan to maintain or increase their pre-loved spending.

Saving money is one of the top three reasons UK consumers buy pre-loved goods, with 79% citing it as a key motivation. Sustainability and environmental benefits come in second at 47%.

Globally, Gen Z and Millennials are driving recommerce forward, with 59% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials planning to increase their spending on pre-loved goods this year.

While pre-loved fashion is an established go-to for those looking to “shop smart”,  refurbished tech is emerging as an additional growth area for sustainable shopping.

More than a third (35%) of UK consumers are now buying pre-loved tech, making it one of the top three recommerce categories after fashion and books.

By choosing refurbished over new, shoppers are saving up to 50% on everyday technology and fashion from trusted brands while contributing to a more circular economy.

Eve Williams, General Manager of eBay UK, said: “UK shoppers are leading a global retail rethink where second-hand can be the first choice for value, quality and conscience.

“Shopping should be fun and the thrill of discovery is just as powerful - if not more so - when you uncover something vintage, restored or reimagined. From refurbished tech to pre-loved fashion, with 71% of Brits saying it feels good to give something a second life, it’s clear that shopping smarter is also shopping with heart.”

Celebrating the rising consumer appetite for pre-loved items, eBay is putting recommerce at the centre of Britain’s biggest shopping day, Black Friday (28 November), launching its first-ever eBay Live Superstore at Outernet in London.

Featuring only non-new items from sellers across fashion and homeware to tech, shoppers will be able join the experience in person or tune in from home via eBay Live - eBay’s new live shopping and entertainment experience - to get exclusive deals with up to 50% off RRP.

A line-up of special co-hosts, including TV presenter AJ Odudu, will front seven livestreams kicking off on the hour, every hour from 13:00 GMT. Each session will feature exclusive deals, surprise drops and giveaways throughout the day, in addition to exclusive deals running throughout Black Friday on the eBay website.