Consumers Show Increasing Enthusiasm for Pre-loved Goods, Enhancing the Circular Economy

Consumers Show Increasing Enthusiasm for Pre-loved Goods

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and conscious consumerism, recent findings from eBay's fifth annual Recommerce Report reveal that approximately 89% of consumers are likely to maintain or even boost their spending on pre-loved goods this year compared to last. This shift marks a transition from niche interests to a mainstream lifestyle choice, demonstrating the growing significance of the circular economy in today's shopping landscape.

Conducted among over 27,000 individuals worldwide, including both sellers on eBay and the general public, the report illustrates a fundamental change in how consumers perceive pre-loved items. No longer are these items viewed simply as second-best choices; instead, they are embraced as opportunities for value, connection, and sustainability.

Jamie Iannone, the CEO of eBay, notes that today’s younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are at the forefront of this movement. "Recommerce is redefining how people shop — led by a new generation that values connection, purpose, and sustainability," he states. Nearly 80% of these younger consumers identify as part of this progressive movement, integrating their passion for sustainable shopping with tangible positive impacts on communities and the planet.

The Power of Younger Generations

The data shows that Gen Z and Millennials are not just observers but active participants in the recommerce sector. The report indicates that a substantial 59% of Gen Z respondents and 56% of Millennials intend to increase their expenditures on pre-loved goods this year. Additionally, one-third of overall surveyed consumers engage in purchasing such goods monthly or more frequently, emphasizing the incorporation of recommerce into their regular shopping behaviors.

Renee Morin, Chief Sustainability Officer at eBay, highlights that today’s consumers are driven by deeper motivations beyond mere financial benefits. "Consumers are choosing pre-loved goods not just for savings but to make sustainable choices that are beneficial for both people and the planet," she explains. This mindset is paving the way for a transformative approach to shopping, where economic empowerment meets ecological responsibility.

Balancing Financial Incentives with Purpose

The reasons behind the growing interest in pre-loved goods are varied and compelling. Financial savings top the list, with 81% of consumers citing this as a primary reason for their choice to shop second-hand. Environmental considerations follow closely, with 45% of consumers indicating that sustainability significantly drives their purchasing decisions. Moreover, the appeal of finding specific items that may no longer be available new (37%), discovering unique collectibles (36%), and an aversion to fast fashion (17%) further illustrate the multifaceted nature of consumer motivation in this realm.

Community Engagement and Connection

The report also highlights an interesting social dynamic within the recommerce sphere. Notably, 63% of consumers feel part of a community around pre-loved goods, a sentiment that rises to 80% among younger shoppers. The excitement found in the search for second-hand treasures contributes to the engagement levels between buyers and sellers, with 65% of consumers expressing enjoyment in the chase of unique finds.

For sellers, particularly those passionate about niche categories like trading cards and antiques, participation in this economy is fueled by genuine enthusiasm for particular items. The vibrant communities formed around these interests not only facilitate trade but also celebrate a shared knowledge and appreciation of specific categories.

Economic Empowerment through Recommerce

As economic uncertainties loom, recommerce proves to be not just a frugal alternative, but a viable pathway for financial relief and opportunity. A noteworthy 81% of consumers report feeling positive about their savings from pre-loved purchases, while 86% of eBay sellers source inventory from their own belongings, successfully turning unused items into profit.

With the continuous growth of recommerce, eBay remains committed to fostering economic opportunity and cultivating a thriving community of enthusiasts globally. The 2025 report underscores that the interplay of conscious consumerism, financial empowerment, and community connections are reshaping the landscape of retail. eBay is uniquely positioned to spearhead this transformation, leading the way toward a future characterized by sustainable growth, support for sellers, and inspiration for a new generation of shoppers.

For more details, you can access the full report here.

About the Research

The insights from the 2025 Recommerce Report stem from two extensive surveys conducted by Forsta for eBay. The first survey encompassed around 16,000 consumers across multiple countries, while the second involved approximately 11,000 active eBay sellers.

About eBay

Established in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a leading global commerce platform that not only connects millions of buyers and sellers but also fosters communities, creating economic opportunities worldwide. In the previous year, eBay facilitated a staggering $75 billion in gross merchandise volume. Discover more about the company and its initiatives at www.ebayinc.com.