UK consumers are leading the global shift towards second-hand shopping, with 87 per cent purchasing pre-loved products in the past year, according to eBay’s 2026 ‘Recommerce Report’.
The findings highlight growing opportunities for electrical retailers selling refurbished and pre-owned products, as consumers increasingly seek to save money and make more sustainable purchasing decisions.
The report found that 59 per cent of UK shoppers buy pre-loved goods at least once a month, up from 46 per cent last year. Cost savings remain a key motivation, with half of consumers identifying saving money as their main reason for shopping second-hand.
Environmental concerns are also influencing buying habits, with 89 per cent of UK consumers believing resale offers genuine sustainability benefits.
For the electrical retail sector, the findings point to further potential in refurbished technology and pre-owned appliances. Extending the lifespan of electrical products can help reduce waste while providing customers with more affordable alternatives to buying new.
Within eBay’s report, ‘Home & Media’ was one of the top three categories of purchased goods within the past year. In terms of what people are selling, electronics and computers accounted for 27 per cent of sold items on the platform – with sellers reportedly sourcing items from their own personal belongings with clear-outs from family and friends also contributing strongly.
However, concerns about product condition and quality remain a barrier for some consumers, underlining the importance of clear product grading, reliable testing, warranties and after-sales support for retailers developing refurbished electrical offerings.
Kirsty Keoghan, eBay Europe General Manager of Fashion and Luxury, said: “Pre-loved shopping is now firmly mainstream in the UK. The next stage of growth would be making refurbished products a default choice across many more categories, including electronics, with guarantees, warranties and buyer protection playing a key role in building consumer confidence.”
eBay’s President and CEO, Jamie Iannone, said in the report: “What’s exciting today is just how mainstream recommerce has become. People are thinking differently about what they buy and how they shop. Consumers want value, relevance, trust, and the thrill of finding something meaningful.”
