Italy second-hand market grows as 77% use it for household finances

The sixth edition of eBay’s Recommerce Report reveals that second-hand shopping has become a deeply rooted habit in Italy, driven by economic necessity, sustainability, and a desire for unique items.

According to the study, which surveyed over 10,500 consumers and 1,700 sellers, 77% of Italians consider purchasing used products essential for managing household finances. This figure is 7.6 percentage points higher than the global average. Key motivations for consumers include cost savings, access to premium brands, and reducing waste by extending product lifecycles.

Online selling is also highly prevalent in the country. Approximately 43% of Italians reported selling second-hand items online within the last 12 months, a rate higher than the 38% global average. This trend is even more pronounced among the 30 to 45 age demographic, where participation reaches 51%. Primary reasons for selling include decluttering homes (63%), reducing waste (51%), and generating extra income (43%).