Holiday Gifting Trends Shift in Germany Towards Second-Hand Items
In the realm of holiday shopping, Germany's population seems to be veering towards second-hand presents. A recent survey conducted by the German Retail Association (HDE), in collaboration with Sellpy, a second-hand online store, and Appinio, a market research platform, reveals a significant change in gifting preferences: 60% of respondents expressed their willingness to offer second-hand items as Christmas presents, an upward trajectory from the previous year's 40%.
Berlin, specifically, has seen a surge in this trend, with 61% of residents aged 35-44 opting for second-hand presents.
This shift becomes more apparent when considering the reasons behind the preference for second-hand gifts, according to the survey. Concerns about sustainability and cost play significant roles, with 56% and 52% of respondents citing environmental concerns and affordability as primary factors, respectively.
Stefan Genth, HDE's Managing Director, attributes this trend to a combination of consumer sentiment and the desire to save money, given the prevalent inflation and economic uncertainties. Consequently, 68% of respondents expressed greater satisfaction upon receiving new products.
Additional Insights:
This shift towards sustainable gifting is not exclusive to Germany. In many parts of the world, the second-hand retail market is experiencing growth. According to a report by Statista, revenue in the second-hand goods segment is projected to reach €24.8 billion in Europe by 2026, marking a substantial increase from €12.1 billion in 2019.
