According to a survey by the German Retail Association (HDE) in cooperation with the second-hand platform Sellpy, the willingness in Germany to buy and give second-hand gifts is increasing. This also extends to Christmas gifts.
For the study, the market research institute Appinio surveyed 1,000 Germans in a representative demographic distribution and found that around 40 percent were open to the idea of buying second-hand gifts.
Sustainability, price and younger generation drive decision
The motivation for this is a lasting awareness, which is particularly pronounced among 25 to 44 year olds. So sustainability is the top reason for second-hand gifts, followed by lower price.
In this age group, a third stated that they had given away a second-hand product for Christmas at least once; every second person can imagine this for this year. Particularly popular areas are home & decor, accessories or electronics, with the trend mainly relating to online shopping.
“For a long time, second-hand gifts were taboo in many people’s minds. It’s great to see that the idea of sustainable consumption is also playing an increasingly important role when it comes to gifts,” comments Anna Geyer, Commercial Lead DE/AT at Sellpy.
“Even against the background of the current economic situation, existing patterns of behavior when buying gifts are being reconsidered. The Christmas business is becoming more complex and offers companies opportunities to implement innovative offers,” adds HDE General Manager Stefan Genth.
Buy rather than give away
There is a discrepancy when it comes to deciding whether to buy second-hand for yourself or to give it as a gift: While women and older people in particular stated that they tended to be more happy about a second-hand gift than about a newly bought one, they themselves have reservations about this To give away. The survey revealed that the majority cannot yet imagine giving second-hand products as gifts, as they are concerned that it could lessen the joy of the recipient.