Embracing the circular economy: more UK shoppers than ever before choose secondhand products

New research from the British Retail Consortium and Opinium shows that more consumers than ever before are choosing to buy secondhand products in the UK.

The proportion of people that had bought or sold secondhand items increased in seven of the ten product categories measured by the BRC, with furniture reporting the biggest increase, with 21% now buying and/or selling these items.

Adult clothing was the most popular secondhand category, with 43% of survey respondents stating they had bought and/or sold these items, however this had fallen slightly from the 45% recorded in the previous year. Consumers reporting buying and/or selling footwear and children’s clothing also sell slightly. 

Gen Z consumers are the most likely to purchase secondhand items across all categories, except for children’s clothing. In the last year, BRC also reported an increase in the proportion of Gen Z buying secondhand small electronics including smartphones and laptops.

“It is great to see so many people, across all generations, embracing the circular economy,” comments Sophie De Salis, Sustainability Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium.

“Secondhand is no longer seen as second best. It has become a first choice for sustainability, affordability and individuality. With many retailers now offering their own pre-loved collections, and so many great resale platforms, online marketplaces and charity shops – customers are spoilt for choice.”

Neill O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Parcels and Mails at Post Office, says the company has seen a “surge” in demand as consumers increasingly choose secondhand items, both to purchase and to sell.

“In the fast moving world of secondhand shopping, we understand that quick, secure delivery is key to customers. Whether you’re buying or selling, our branches are a one stop shop, offering a range of delivery partners and friendly postmasters to advise on the best option.”

“For online sellers in need of a streamlined solution, our fast track Drop & Go service lets customers drop off parcels to be weighed and labelled by our branch teams. This means the secondhand savvy can make the most of this growing market, without the stress.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Sustainability will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.