HDE consumer monitor: Second hand market increasingly in demand
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for many consumers and now influences the consumption decisions of 58 percent of people. 39 percent specifically shop sustainably. This is shown by the current results of the new HDE Sustainability Consumer Monitor.
“The segment of sustainable new goods has been the focus of retail for years. “Especially in times of high inflation, buying and using used, repaired or borrowed goods is becoming more and more interesting for many,” says HDE Managing Director Stefan Genth. The main drivers of the development towards used goods are financial reasons, environmental protection and the desire for an individual, sustainable lifestyle. As a result of increasing demand, the economic importance of corresponding offers is increasing significantly. The second-hand market segment is particularly fast-growing. After all, 51 percent of consumers buy second hand, 60 percent have already bought more second hand in 2022 than before, and 49 percent are planning to purchase more used goods in the current year 2023.
The HDE forecast for the second-hand market this year is correspondingly positive: the trade association expects this area to grow by eight percent to around 2023 billion euros in 15. This corresponds to a good two percent of the total retail sales volume. The drivers in this market segment are online offers. But the predominantly stationary specialist retailers are also active here. When it comes to second hand, customers primarily buy fashion and accessories (65%), toys (48%) and electronic products (37%).
In addition to used goods, repair offers are also playing an increasingly important role. Consumers spend 3,7 billion euros on this every year. In addition to specialists in the craft sector, specialist retailers are the most popular place to go for repairs.
Genth: “Retail has a special role to play at the interface between manufacturers and end consumers. Through its product range design and transparency over the supply chain, the retailer meets customer demands for ecological, responsible and affordable consumption and ensures the widespread availability of the corresponding goods.”
