eBay UK - British shoppers to ditch buying new products this Black Friday
On Christmas morning, many Brits will wake up to pre-loved and refurbished presents, as shoppers turn away from new products this Black Friday in a bid to save money, according to eBay UK.
The company surveyed 2,000 people and found that 52% will be shopping for second hand or refurbished products this festive season, with saving money as the top incentive (56%) for doing so.
In 2021, eight out the 10 best selling Black Friday deals purchased on eBay UK’s online marketplace were refurbished.
Black Friday traditionally represents the start the festive retail rush, and this year consumers are intending to spend over £100 less on average than last year, as inflation bites and anxiety about the cost of living soars.
Murray Lambell, General Manager of eBay UK, says: “In its current form Black Friday is broken, but it’s not too late to make it relevant for today’s consumer.”
“While it was first introduced to offer consumers big savings ahead of the festive period, it no longer delivers on that same promise of value. For shoppers it creates a frenzy, with a ‘buying for buying sake’ mentality.”
“The cost of living and climate crisis presents new parameters as consumer shopping habits continue to change, as we’ve seen a sharp increase in purchases for pre-loved and refurbished.”
He concludes: “We know there’s a better way that we can do Black Friday together. Our hope is to inspire the nation to think differently when they’re doing their Christmas or Black Friday shopping this year.”
“If they buy one or two pre-loved or refurbished items to start with, it’s a positive step that allows products to take on a new life by keeping them out of landfill.”
