Short on time or just not a fan of driving around town, make multiple stops at stores to purchase home items, gifts, holiday decorand essentials for entertaining? Or maybe you’re having sticker shock and are worried about breaking the bank this holiday season. There’s no longer a need to shop for new items in person to find what you’re looking for at an affordable price.

The second-hand market is booming as more people look for unique purchases at low prices, but also have sustainability in mind. According to OfferUp 2024 Recommerce ReportThe recommerce market is expected to grow 55% by 2029, reaching $291.6 billion, with resale accounting for 8% of total retail.

Much of the rise in recommerce has to do with the changing perception of second-hand shopping. The report reveals that 72% of shoppers believe the stigma surrounding second-hand shopping has decreased. In fact, 63% of people say they admire those who favor used items over new. And more than half of shoppers consider second-hand shopping an enjoyable pastime, with nearly 60% saying it’s even more enjoyable than buying new items.

“In our business, we’ve always been big proponents of integrating second-hand pieces into interiors,” says Reilly James, marketing manager and e-commerce optimization expert at William Morris Wallpaper in New York. “The advantages of buying second-hand are multiple: cost savings, environmental responsibility and unique charm of vintage finds.” He also believes that flea markets enrich the aesthetic value of any space.

1. Cost savings

One of the most compelling reasons to buy from second-hand markets is to find the same items for a fraction of the price in other stores, whether second hand furnitureelectronics, interior decoration or other products. These savings add up over time, especially when you opt for second-hand choices for big-ticket items like a couch or big-screen TV.

“Buying second-hand offers significant savings, with items typically priced 50-75% below retail,” says James. This price reduction allows you to have more flexibility when decorating your home, as well as the ability to update interiors more frequently without financial worry. “Most consumers reported saving an average of around 60% on their space design by opting for thrifted finds, giving them the flexibility to allocate funds to other aspects of design” , he said.

High raw material and transportation costs can prevent people from finding well-made, well-designed, high-quality furniture and other products at affordable prices, says Melissa M. Lubin, owner, business consultant and coach at Large goods and former owner of an interior design company. “Used vintage or antique furniture is almost always made of solid wood and costs less than buying new furniture. In fact, you pay less for better quality products. In my opinion, it’s a win-win,” she says.

2. Support sustainability

Buying from second-hand markets benefits the environment by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, reducing energy consumption and reducing our carbon footprint.

“Opting for second-hand items significantly reduces the environmental impact,” says James. “Reusing furniture diverts waste from landfills – which is important given that furniture contributes millions of tonnes of waste each year – and reduces the demand for new materials. Our customers have embraced this sustainable choice, thus helping to reduce their carbon footprint linked to new furniture purchases.

When we buy second-hand goods, we avoid having to make as many new products, reducing the consumption of raw materials, energy and water while lowering emissions. Every second-hand purchase creates a ripple effect: it diverts an item from the waste stream and eliminates the potential packaging, shipping and disposal costs associated with buying new.

Finally, the more people buy second-hand, the more society will move towards a sustainable mindset in which production and consumption aim to reduce waste and extend the life of products and materials rather than emphasizing a throwaway culture.

3. Unique and quality purchases

Another benefit of buying second-hand is that you can find products that are unique, high-quality, and have stood the test of time. “When thinking about quality home decor, shopping second-hand is a surprisingly rewarding route,” says Miriam Joy Macalanda, editor-in-chief of Best material supply in Smithtown, New York. “Unlike new mass-produced items, second-hand pieces often come with artisanal know-how. And older objects were often built to lastusing materials and techniques that have more character and durability than today’s quick alternatives,” she says.

Special items that can be found at second-hand markets often have a sense of history. “Each piece tells a story that a brand new item simply cannot replicate,” says Macalanda. “It’s a refreshing approach to furnish your home with charm and qualitywhile often spending a fraction of what you would pay for new.

Our favorite second-hand markets

Here are some of our favorite second-hand markets and apps to find furniture, home decor, gifts, holiday decorations, entertaining essentials and more this holiday season and beyond:

Kitchen switch: Designed with sustainability in mind, this marketplace for buying and selling high-quality used kitchenware offers a wide range of used kitchen items, from stylish to practical cookware. This online platform connects buyers with those looking to sell gently used kitchenware.

Chair: Reward News week“Best Online Store” of 2021 and The United States today Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Place to Buy Furniture and Home Decor Online,” this online platform connects more than 12,000 small businesses, working artists, and designers with design enthusiasts from around the world. whole world. Sustainability is a major focus, with 85 percent of inventory being ancient.

AptDéco: This site is intended for the purchase and sale of second-hand furniture online. Unlike other peer-to-peer sites, AptDeco takes over once you make a purchase, handling both payment and delivery. They also promise product inspections upon pickup and a money-back guarantee if your item is not as described.

1stDibs: This online marketplace connects consumers to more than a million pieces, including vintage, antique and contemporary furniture; interior decoration; art; fine jewelry; and clothes. The site features listings from a global network of vetted and trusted sellers, and buyers can purchase directly or negotiate a price through the interactive platform.

Everything but the house: This website/app is presented as a full-service sales solution for home or business shippers. Global Marketplace simplifies buying and selling used items with a suite of easy-to-use technologies. It uses an action-based approach so people can find second-hand goods, many of which are rare, antique or from estate sales. All auctions start at just $1.