Some 89% of global consumers plan to either increase their spend, or spend the same amount, on pre-owned items in 2025 as they did last year, a new study by eBay has found.
According to eBay’s 2025 Recommerce Report, which surveyed more than 27,000 people around the world – including both regular eBay users and general consumers – the purchase of pre-owned goods, known as ‘recommerce‘, has moved from being a niche activity to a conscious lifestyle choice.
The Gen Z and Millennial cohorts are the main drivers of recommerce globally, the study found, with 59% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials planning to increase their spend this year.
A new generation
“Recommerce is redefining how people shop — led by a new generation that values connection, purpose, and sustainability,” commented Jamie Iannone, eBay chief executive. “Nearly 80% of Gen Z and Millennials see themselves as part of this movement, turning their passion for pre-loved items into real impact. eBay has been leading this shift from the start, and with new AI tools, it’s now easier than ever to give great products a second life and build a more sustainable future.”
In addition, the study found that more than a third (35%) of all consumers purchase pre-owned items either monthly or more often, an indication of how ‘deeply integrated recommerce has become in everyday shopping behaviours,’ eBay said.
Embracing recommerce
Some 81% of respondents cited the ability to save money as a key motivation for embracing recommerce, with 45% citing the environmental benefits of doing so, and 37% citing the ability to find specific items that they can’t find new.
Notably, 17% said that they turned to recommerce due to a ‘dislike’ of fast fashion.
“Recommerce has evolved into a global movement driven by purpose,” added Renee Morin, chief sustainability officer at eBay. “Today’s consumers are choosing pre-loved goods not just for value but to make more sustainable choices that benefit people and the planet. eBay stands at the center of this transformation, fuelling economic opportunity and driving the circular economy forward.” Read more here.
