The world is at a pivotal moment, facing challenges from economic instability to climate concerns. Amid these shifts, consumer behaviors are evolving, with more people reassessing what matters most. This reevaluation is paving the way for recommerce — the buying and selling of pre-loved or refurbished goods — which offers a sustainable alternative to traditional retail. eBay, a longstanding pioneer in this space, is seeing a surge in recommerce activity, driven by consumer interest in sustainability, affordability, and personal values.
eBay’s latest Recommerce Report, launched on Recommerce Day (May 21, 2024), highlights a growing shift in consumer sentiment. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed consumers stated that they are reevaluating their priorities, with hobbies, personal relationships, and sustainability ranking highly. A notable 88% of respondents expressed optimism about aspects of their life, with many pointing to hobbies and community engagement as key factors.
Shopping for pre-loved items aligns with these priorities, providing a way to support sustainability while discovering unique finds. More than 86% of consumers globally reported buying or selling pre-loved goods in the last year, with the younger generations — Millennials and Gen Z — leading the charge. Over 70% of these shoppers plan to continue investing in pre-owned products throughout 2024.
eBay has been a leader in recommerce, continuously innovating to support the circular economy. The platform facilitates the buying and selling of pre-loved goods, enabling users to reduce waste, save money, and connect with a global community. eBay’s recommerce initiatives have contributed significantly to this movement, with pre-loved and refurbished items making up 40% of its gross merchandise volume (GMV).
According to Charis Marquez, Vice President of Fashion at eBay, the company is dedicated to elevating the pre-loved fashion market by providing a premium shopping experience that rivals buying new. This focus is resonating with consumers: the number of listings for pre-owned bags and shirts saw double-digit growth from 2022 to 2023, and more shoppers are prioritizing quality, thrifted pieces over fast fashion.
Three key trends are fueling the rise of recommerce:
Refurbished products are a key component of the circular economy. Logitech, a notable partner on eBay’s Refurbished platform, offers a wide range of high-quality, certified devices. These products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet performance standards, providing an affordable alternative to buying new. Logitech’s program helps extend the life of its products while reducing electronic waste.
According to Sacni Leon, Head of Returns & Asset Recovery at Logitech, consumers are increasingly choosing refurbished items for both financial and environmental reasons. This trend supports a growing interest in waste reduction and responsible consumption, with more shoppers opting for “like-new” alternatives.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, eBay is expanding its offerings and investing in tools to support the circular economy. The platform’s efforts include enhanced seller resources, streamlined listings for pre-loved items, and partnerships with brands like Logitech to increase the availability of refurbished products.
Renée Morin, Chief Sustainability Officer at eBay, emphasizes that the growth of recommerce aligns with broader environmental goals. By making it easier for consumers to buy and sell pre-loved goods, eBay helps keep items out of landfills and supports a sustainable future.
Key findings from eBay’s Recommerce Report include:
Recommerce is more than a trend; it’s a growing movement that reflects changing consumer values. Shoppers are looking for ways to make meaningful choices — whether it’s saving money, supporting sustainability, or engaging with a like-minded community. eBay’s commitment to recommerce and its strategic partnerships are helping to shape a more sustainable retail landscape.
As Jamie Iannone, President and CEO of eBay, notes, the platform’s role in the circular economy is expanding. By investing in technology and tools that make recommerce accessible to all, eBay is empowering consumers to be part of a solution that benefits the planet.
