Almost one in two Italians has bought a used item.
When a new product is out of budget, people turn to second-hand products to save money.
The second-hand goods market in 2023 was worth 26 billion with an increase of one billion over 2022.
Over the course of a decade, there has been a growth of 44%. This is what the tenth
edition of the observatory «Second hand economy», it is highlighted how the purchase and sale of a second-hand object has now become a consolidated habit for 26 million Italians, almost one in two, compared to 19 million in 2014. It is purchased both on platforms and in the many specialized physical stores.
All of this has been accentuated by inflation and the price increases of 2023, the trend with 19% of consumers declaring that they have approached used for the first time. A transversal phenomenon that unites the young people of Generation Z, millennials and families with children.
Buying a second-hand item is considered a tonic for family finances thanks to the average saving of 40% compared to the price of a new one.
Those who sell do so above all to get rid of unused objects (77%), to give goods a second chance, to earn money and to promote the circular economy.
The average annual revenue is around 850 euros. «Online has played a fundamental role in this evolution. The market generated by online has grown by 140% in ten years.
A trend that is set to consolidate. «In the next five years, the used market will grow mainly thanks to online.
The shopping experience in specialized shops and markets but above all the need
is to save, together with the choice to reduce the environmental impact.
The second hand guarantees a lower price for a quality and sustainable product.
for itself, because choosing used means extending the life of the good and potentially
avoid the production of the new equivalent, with a consequent reduction of the green impact in terms of emissions".