Third of UK consumers now embracing re-commerce, says survey

A re-commerce revolution is sweeping the UK. Now worth £7 billion annually, over a third of consumers are embracing secondhand shopping, according to a ShipStation survey. 

With Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge, the shift in consumer behaviour is driven by the desire for affordability, quality, and unique finds, “proving that re-commerce is more than a passing trend”, the report from the shipping specialist said.

Boosted by the cost-of-living crisis, “Britons are increasingly seeking out bargains and alternative ways to shop so re-commerce allows consumers to access high-quality items at a fraction of the price”, it said. 

ShipStation’s survey highlights the growing appeal of pre-owned goods, with lower costs (70%) and the desire for higher quality at a lower price (37%) the primary motivators. Even though it’s not a priority, over 27% of Britons admit to buying secondhand due to environmental concerns.

And Gen Z is also the demographic with the highest number of surveyed consumers (23%) planning to spend on luxury goods in the latter half of the year. 

London stands out as a hub for secondhand shopping, with 88% of Londoners embracing re-commerce, compared to 83% across the rest of the country. This trend is fuelled by the city’s higher cost of living, with 72% of Londoners citing lower costs as their main motivation.

While 34% of Britons purchase secondhand goods every month, Gen Z (58% ) and Millennials (50%) lead the surge. However, by contrast, 27% of Boomers say they never buy secondhand.

“Re-commerce is changing the way we shop, and it’s not going anywhere,” says Matthew Trattles, vice president of SMB at Auctane, ShipStation’s operating brand. 

“Interest in re-commerce is growing rapidly [and] represents more than just a preference for pre-owned items; it’s a testament to the evolving priorities of consumers.”