As gifting season approaches, half of (52%) shoppers in Northern Ireland say the most thoughtful, original, or romantic presents to give are second-hand, according to a new survey of more than 4,000 UK adults for Amazon by OnePoll.
Northern Ireland shoppers also estimate that more than a third (36%) of what they already own is pre-loved, while more than four in 10 (41%) believe the majority of their purchases will be second hand by 2027.
When it comes to gifting, half (52%) of Northern Ireland’s shoppers feel that pre-loved or nearly-new gifts are the most romantic, original, or thoughtful, according to the survey. More than one in three (37%) also believe it feels better for the environment to be gifted something which isn’t brand new.
Northern Ireland shoppers intend to cut down on new purchases by 39% in the next two years, with half (51%) saying they get more of an endorphin rush finding pre-owned items than buying them new. 55% of Northern Ireland shoppers think the endorphin rush of buying pre-owned is due to the quality often being as good as buying new, while more than one in three (35%) feel the rush is because it reduces the impact on the environment.
More than two thirds (67%) of Northern Ireland shoppers are also keen to buy more pre-loved items in the next two years – intending to cut down on their new purchases by 39%.
More than half (58%) of shoppers in Northern Ireland make sure their homes stay clutter-free by following a ‘one-in-one-out’ policy at home – donating or selling items they already own to make way for new possessions.
Jim Press, Senior Delivery Station Manager at Amazon in Belfast, said: “It’s great to see people actively planning to purchase non-new items even more in the future. As well as being better for the environment, second-hand items are often more affordable. The second-hand economy is growing quickly, and 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.”
Right now on Amazon Resale there are savings on quality used smartphones such as the Google Pixel 7, as well as ASUS 27-inch gaming monitors, Skullcandy headphones, and Hot Wheels Monster Truck remote control cars, which make perfect Christmas gifts. Shoppers can also look out for quality returned, refurbished or open-box toys, beauty and sport items, with savings of up to 50% off recommended retail prices.
Sam Littlejohn, Head of Returns and Repairs at Amazon, added: “It’s clear that pre-loved and refurbished gifts are celebrated as much for their quality as their uniqueness. This is reflected on our store – with sales of second-hand goods in the UK rising by 15 per cent over the past two years alone.
“People are finding that such gifts show a level of care and thoughtfulness that stands out, especially at a time when individuality is cherished and people are looking for bargains. As this trend continues, we expect to see it become a staple part of how people think about gifting, adding a new layer of meaning to special occasions.”
During Amazon’s Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday holiday shopping event, customers in the UK gave returned products a second chance by shopping through Amazon Resale; with some of the most popular second-hand purchases over the past few weeks including Russell Hobbs Steam and Cleans, Fisher-Price baby projection mobiles, Xbox Series S consoles, and Ultimate Ears speakers.
