As the festive season approaches, a new survey has revealed that many shoppers in the South West are embracing the idea of giving second-hand gifts, with 35% of those surveyed believing that pre-loved presents are the most thoughtful, original, and romantic. The survey, commissioned by Amazon and conducted by OnePoll, provides a snapshot of changing attitudes towards second-hand shopping in the region.
This shift in buying behaviour is being driven by a desire for more unique gifts, as well as environmental concerns. More than one in five (23%) shoppers in the South West feel that gifting something second-hand is better for the environment, while others find the thought of purchasing pre-owned items particularly rewarding.
A significant 15% of respondents predict that the majority of their purchases will be second-hand within the next three years, with one in three (32%) already adopting a ‘one-in-one-out’ policy to keep their homes clutter-free. This growing enthusiasm for pre-loved items is also reflected in Amazon’s sales figures, which show a 15% increase in second-hand goods sales in the UK over the past two years.
David Tindal, General Manager at Amazon in Swindon, commented: “It’s fantastic to see so many people embracing the idea of purchasing non-new items. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also offers more affordable options. As we move into the holiday season, we expect an increase in the popularity of refurbished or pre-loved gifts.”
Popular second-hand items on Amazon Resale include smartphones, gaming monitors, and remote control cars, with savings of up to 50% off retail prices. The quality of these refurbished items is often as good as new, and shoppers are finding that they make meaningful, personal gifts that stand out from the crowd.
Sam Littlejohn, Head of Returns and Repairs at Amazon, added: “Pre-loved and refurbished gifts offer a unique level of care and thoughtfulness. People are looking for individuality and bargains, and second-hand items fit that demand perfectly. As this trend continues to grow, we expect second-hand gifting to become an even more prominent part of how people celebrate special occasions.”
As the trend towards second-hand shopping continues, shoppers in the South West are not only helping the environment but also finding joy in the thoughtfulness and originality that pre-loved gifts bring.
