Four-in-ten (43%) shoppers will look to buy pre-loved goods as gifts this Christmas, according to new research by YouGov.
A survey of 2,000 UK consumers for retail logistics companies Advanced Supply Chain (ASC) and ReBound Returns shows that 40% of Christmas shoppers are more likely to buy used, second hand gifts this Christmas than they were last year.
34% of people now think it’s much more socially acceptable to buy pre-loved presents for families and friends, with the stigma surrounding second hand gifting fast changing. Of those willing to buy used presents, 70% are aiming to save money, while 55% want to be more sustainable this Christmas.
Ben Balfour, Managing Director at ASC, commented: “Pre-loved shopping is becoming more and more popular. Consumers are no longer embarrassed about it or concerned that buying second hand is seen as a sign of financial hardship. It’s quite the opposite, with people proud to tell family and friends about their pre-loved bargains.
“Online marketplaces like eBay and Vinted have helped change perceptions of pre-loved, but I think retailers will take this to another level. Large chains are actively looking to make quality used goods part of their product ranges. They are finding ways to encourage trade-ins and to boost repairs and restoration of old products. When shoppers increasingly see used items sitting alongside the latest, newest releases, it’ll make second hand shopping even more mainstream.”
Around a third (32%) of Brits will spend between £100 – £300 on Christmas presents this year, with 45% expecting this to be a similar amount to last Christmas. 25% expect to spend less on gifting this year, because of financial pressures and tighter disposable incomes.
Further data from the research shows that 20% of people will begin Christmas present shopping in December, with many of those holding out for last minute deals to save money. Most people (45%) will be shopping for gifts for three to six people, while one-in-ten shoppers have the tough job of buying presents for 11 to 15 of their family and friends.
Jelle Schoenmaker, Managing Director at ReBound Returns, added: “Second hand gifting is a sustainable option that is increasingly desired by consumers, so it’s no wonder that more retailers are exploring ways to offer this option. To offer preloved items, brands need to establish a proper ‘take back flow’ to efficiently get used items from consumers, then sort the items into grades to determine the amount of rework needed. Barely used items might not need much work, and others in very poor condition may need to be sent for recycling. Usually, items can be reconditioned to give them a second life. Once cleaned and restored, re-tagged with a new label, and re-packaged ready for resale and its new home. To make this easier for retailers, this entire flow can be outsourced.”
