Sustainable Biz #8 - Magazine - Page 11
Renewed, exceeded €2 billion (£1.7 billion)
in 2024, as we have expanded our used
product selection. It’s clear that providing
trustworthy, convenient access to quality,
pre-owned items is resonating with today's
more conscious customers."
Consumer behaviour: why Britons choose
second-hand The research highlights
three key drivers behind this shift: costof-living pressures (31%), expanded
product selection (26%), and growing
environmental awareness (25%). Two-thirds
(65%) of Britons bought second-hand
goods online last year, with clothing (54%),
smartphones and tablets (26%), and small
household appliances (24%) leading the
way.
Demographics reveal an evolving market,
with 74% of people aged 34 and under
embracing second-hand shopping
compared to 52% of over-55s. Perhaps most
telling, 27% of Britons no longer believe
that new is inherently better than used –
signalling a meaningful shift in consumer
attitudes. Instead, priorities are shifting
toward practicality, affordability, and
environmental responsibility.
Amazon’s Second Chance: building trust
in pre-owned Despite growing popularity,
barriers remain. The report identifies
product condition concerns (43%), lack of
warranties (39%), and seller trust (29%) as
key obstacles preventing wider adoption.
"Britons are turning to second-hand
shopping in large numbers, but to
supercharge the sector's growth, customers
need to trust buying a used product as
much as buying new," said Sam Littlejohn,
Amazon's Head of Returns and Repairs. "The
Amazon Resale team works hands-on to
inspect and refurbish every item, delivering
a reliable experience backed by Amazon's
customer service and return policies."
Amazon’s Second Chance offerings include:
•
Amazon Resale - returned products
(quality used, refurbished or openbox) sold at discounted prices with
Amazon’s delivery, customer service and
convenient returns.
•
Amazon Renewed - expertly refurbished
products from qualified selling partners
at great prices, all backed by the
Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
•
Luxury Stores at Amazon - pre-loved
fashion including Hardly Ever Worn It
for designer items and RESPONSIBLE
for premium streetwear.
Amazon is accelerating the shift to a circular
economy by making it easier for customers
to buy pre-owned items, trade in devices,
repair products, and recycle responsibly. This
commitment is part of Amazon's broader
sustainability goals as co-founder of The
Climate Pledge - a commitment to reach netzero carbon by 2040. To achieve this, Amazon
is decarbonising its global operations,
investing in carbon-free energy, investing in
electric vehicles in its transportation network,
reducing packaging and minimising waste,
and investing in climate innovations through
The Climate Pledge Fund.
The study reveals second-hand products
now account for 34%-45% of UK spending
within some of the most popular categories
including tech, fashion and home
appliances.
Average monthly spending on pre-loved
goods has more than doubled over five
years, climbing 113% from £58.40 to
£124.80 a month. Furthermore, 27% of
online second-hand purchases in the
UK represent sales that would not have
happened without the used option being
available. This shows how resale channels
can create new buying opportunities that
might not otherwise occur.
"At Amazon, we believe that putting
returned items back on sale isn't just
good for the planet and for business
– it's what our customers want," said
John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country
Manager. "Our Second Chance sales in
the UK and across Europe, including
from Amazon Resale and Amazon
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