11 December 2024, London, UK – As gifting season approaches, more than half (55%) of Gen Z shoppers aged 18 to 27 say the most thoughtful, original, or romantic presents to give are second-hand, according to a new survey of more than 4,000 UK adults for Amazon by OnePoll.
When it comes to shopping for themselves, four in 10 (39%) Gen Zs believe at least 75% of their purchases will be second-hand by 2027. The same age group also estimates that around a third (31%) of what they already own is pre-loved.
Sam Littlejohn, Head of Returns and Repairs at Amazon said: “It’s great to see people actively planning to purchase non-new items even more in the future. The second-hand economy is growing quickly, and as Christmas approaches, we expect to see a big uptick in people searching for refurbished or pre-loved items for their friends and family members.
“As well as being better for the environment, second-hand items are often more affordable. In our household we now always try to gift second-hand items to each other during the festive period.”
Right now on Amazon Resale there are savings on quality used smartphones such as the Google Pixel 7, as well as ASUS 27-inch gaming monitors, Skullcandy headphones, and Hot Wheels Monster Truck remote control cars, which make perfect Christmas gifts. Shoppers can also look out for quality returned, refurbished or open-box toys, beauty and sport items, with savings of up to 50% off recommended retail prices.
Second-hand gifting
When it comes to gifting, 40% of all UK shoppers aged 18 and above feel that pre-loved or nearly-new gifts are the most romantic, original, or thoughtful, according to the survey. One in four (25%) respondents also believe it feels better for the environment to be gifted something which isn’t brand new.
Sam Littlejohn from Amazon added: “It’s clear that pre-loved and refurbished gifts are celebrated as much for their quality as their uniqueness. This is reflected on our store - with sales of second-hand goods in the UK rising by 15 per cent over the past two years alone.
“People are finding that such gifts show a level of care and thoughtfulness that stands out, especially at a time when individuality is cherished and people are looking for bargains. As this trend continues, we expect to see it become a staple part of how people think about gifting, adding a new layer of meaning to special occasions."
During Amazon’s Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday holiday shopping event, customers in the UK gave returned products a second chance by shopping through Amazon Resale; with some of the most popular second-hand purchases over the past few weeks including Russell Hobbs Steam and Cleans, Fisher-Price baby projection mobiles, Xbox Series S consoles, and Ultimate Ears speakers.
Generational demand for second-hand shopping
Those aged 18 to 27 intend to cut down on new purchases by 32% in the next two years, with 40% of these Gen Zs saying they get more of an endorphin rush finding pre-owned items than buying them new. Nearly a third (32%) of Gen Zs think the endorphin rush of buying pre-owned is due to the quality often being as good as buying new, while 36% feel the rush is because it reduces the impact on the environment.
More than half (59%) of Millennials aged 28 to 43 are also keen to buy more pre-loved items in the next two years – intending to cut down on their new purchases by 37%. But it’s not just younger people with second hand intentions, as one in 10 Boomers - those aged 60 to 78 – say they are inspired by their grown-up children who are already cutting back on buying new.
One in five (23%) Boomers make sure their homes stay clutter-free by following a ‘one-in-one-out’ policy at home - donating or selling items they already own to make way for new possessions. 61% of Gen Z and 51% of Millennial respondents say they donate, re-gift or sell an item to make way for new purchases.
For out more information about shopping for quality returned, refurbished, and open box products, visit Amazon Resale.