Second-hand buying set to soar among Generation Z as shoppers buzz off endorphin rush
FOUR in 10 Gen Zs estimate at least 75% of their purchases will be second-hand in three years.
A study of 4,000 adults revealed those aged 18 to 27 intend to cut down on new buys by 32% in the next two years – with around a third (31%) of what they currently own already pre-loved.
And 40% of Gen Z get more of an endorphin rush finding pre-owned items than buying them new.
Nearly a third (32%) claim the quality is often as good as buying new, while 36% simply want to reduce their impact on the environment.
And 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 – are inspired by their grown-up children already cutting down on buying new.
It also emerged 28% of Gen Z favour gifting pre-loved or refurbished gifts to loved ones, with 43% believing they make more thoughtful, original or romantic presents.
Sam Littlejohn, head of returns and repairs at Amazon, which commissioned the survey, 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.
“Plus in many cases gifting this way means they can afford items that otherwise could have been out of their price range.”
The research revealed the most popular occasions to gift a pre-loved item for young people are birthdays, Christmas and as a thank-you for something.
Although 26% of Gen X, aged 44 to 59, say they are happy to receive a surprise gift at any time of year.
When it comes to receiving gifts, 30% of Gen Z prefer second-hand gifts like old records, vintage clothes or retro household furniture.
Having a treasured item restored to new or working condition – as a gift – also scored highly, with 20% of votes from the 18 to 27 age group.
This was a more popular present for Gen Zs to receive than an expensive perfume or a “grand gesture” seemingly designed to be shared on Instagram.
But 30% of Gen Z also like to give pre-loved gifts because it’s important to the environment to not always shop “new”.
When it comes to finding quality pre-loved and refurbished items online, 17% of Gen Z trust social media influencers to give them advice and recommendations, with 36% getting tips from friends.
But just 3% of Gen X will trust what they see someone on social media saying about buying pre-owned.
Second-hand items people tend to shop for include personal tech, fashion and accessories and homeware or kitchen gadgets.
And 23% of 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 – according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Sam Littlejohn from the online retailer – which sells used, returned and open-box products through Amazon Resale – 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% over the past two years alone.
“People are finding that such gifts show a level of care and thoughtfulness that stands out, especially in 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.”
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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