A growing number of UK consumers are turning to second-hand shopping, reveals the latest BRC‑Opinium survey.
Data shows an increase across seven of ten product categories, signalling that buying and selling pre-loved items is becoming an established mainstream habit.
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Shifting trends in pre-loved markets
The survey of around 2,000 UK adults finds that furniture experienced the most significant rise, with 21 per cent of respondents reporting they had bought or sold used furniture—up six percentage points on last year.
Smaller electronics, including smartphones and laptops, followed closely with a four to five-point increase, reaching 21 per cent.
Adult clothing remains the most traded second-hand category, though its share dipped from 45 per cent to 43 per cent.
Footwear and children’s clothing saw slight declines, suggesting saturation in some used apparel markets.
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By GlobalDataGenerational divide in second‑hand habits
Generational differences are clear. Gen Z (aged 18–27) is the driving force behind most categories, especially small electronics, while Baby Boomers (60–78) have shown notable growth in second-hand furniture trading.
These patterns highlight second‑hand shopping’s broad appeal—from budget-conscious youngsters to older consumers seeking value in larger goods.
Infrastructure and sustainability boost resale appeal
The rise of online platforms and widespread charity shops has removed past barriers to buying and selling used items.
Sophie De Salis, sustainability policy advisor at the British Retail Consortium, describes a steady acceptance of the circular economy:
“Second‑hand is no longer seen as second best. It has become a first choice for sustainability, affordability and individuality.”
Neill O’Sullivan of the Post Office emphasised the importance of logistics for pre-loved goods, noting rising demand:
“We’ve seen the surge in demand as customers rush to the second‑hand market… Whether you’re buying or selling, our branches are a one‑stop shop… our fast‑track Drop & Go service lets customers drop off parcels to be weighed and labelled.”
The expansion of reliable delivery services, alongside digital marketplaces and high street charity outlets, is making second-hand shopping both convenient and time-efficient.
Why UK consumers are embracing second‑hand shopping
Experts emphasise three key motivations behind the boom: sustainability, cost savings, and individual style. Second-hand items attract shoppers looking to reduce waste and carbon footprints.
At the same time, modest pricing appeals amid rising living costs, while unique pre-loved pieces offer personality not found in mass‑market goods. Bloomberg reports that 62 per cent of UK consumers now say they are likely to explore resale or second‑hand marketplaces.
With both appetite and infrastructure for refurbishing and reselling continuing to grow, the UK’s second-hand market appears set to become an enduring feature of retail.
