As gifting season approaches, nearly two-thirds (64%) of Gen Z shoppers (aged 18 to 24) say pre-loved items make the most thoughtful, original or romantic presents, according to a new survey of more than 10,000 European adults for Amazon by OnePoll.
That’s higher than the European average: 50% of European adults of all ages think pre-loved presents are the most thoughtful, original or romantic. More than a quarter (28%) of respondents believe it feels also better for the environment to be gifted something pre-loved or refurbished.
“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. Whether seeking out vintage curiosities in antique shops, or searching online for deals on refurbished items, one thing is certain: there is a pre-loved option for everyone,” said Sam Littlejohn, Head of Returns and Repairs at Amazon. “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, shoppers can find popular returned, refurbished or open-box gifts in categories ranging from toys and gaming consoles, to headphones, smartphones, laptops and coffee machines, with savings of up to 50% off recommended retail prices. Over the past two years alone Amazon’s sales of second-hand goods in Europe have increased by more than 20%.
With 86% of European shoppers surveyed saying they compare ‘used’ prices against ‘new’ when they shop online, Amazon Resale is a great way to make savings while extending the life of products. The number of shoppers who compare ‘used’ prices with ‘new’ rises to 94% among both Gen Zs (aged 18-24) and younger Millennials (aged 25 to 34), who are the most devoted age group when it comes to seeking out a bargain.
Europeans donate, repair and resell
As well as shopping for second-hand items, eight out of 10 (82%) European shoppers say they actively re-sell, donate, repair or re-gift possessions they no longer have use for, with more than half (57%) spending a couple of hours each month making sure old items get a new lease of life.
Almost half (47%) of European shoppers surveyed donate or pass used items on to a person or a charity, a more popular option than re-selling, which is favoured by 40%.
The most active age group when it comes to donating is aged 65 and above, with 58% of respondents saying they do this, in contrast with 37% of Gen Z adults aged 18 to 25.
Older Millennial shoppers (aged 35 to 44) are most likely to resell unused and unwanted items with 46% of those surveyed saying they do so, compared with 39% of Gen Zs.
One in five European adults are getting creative with old possessions, sharing that they have ‘upcycled’ something old to give it a new lease of life over the past year. Almost a quarter (23%) say they have successfully repaired a broken item in the same period by following an online video.
When it comes to repairs, the most committed age group is aged 25 to 34, according to the study. An average of 44% of shoppers surveyed from this age group have pursued a repair in the past twelve months, followed by 41% of 18- to 24-year-olds.
Amazon customers can learn how to repair and trade in used items through Amazon Second Chance, while finding out how to recycle in their community.
