The online market for secondhand products across Europe is expected to grow by £1.73bn in 2025, according to new research commissioned by Amazon.

The data by business management consultant CEBR found that the market, which is currently worth £18.70bn, saw customers across Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Spain save an estimated £32.64bn over the past five years, by buying that were not new.

The research looked at the size of the second chance market, which includes used products, ‘open-box’ items and refurbished goods.

The findings revealed a growing commercial market for secondhand products, boosted by cost-of-living pressures, the environmental benefits of keeping goods in circulation and the convenience of secondhand items being available to buy online.

It highlighted that 85% of under-34s across the five countries bought second chance items online, compared to 52% of over-55s.

However, despite Europe’s second chance economy being forecast to hit more than £20.61bn in 2025, the report warned that retailers needed to overcome barriers such as concerns over product condition and perception of lack of warranties.

Amazon VP of EU stores Mariangela Marseglia said: “Customers are actively seeking second-hand items across a broad range of categories, from tech and fashion to home appliances. 

“On Amazon, second-hand product sales exceeded €2 billion across Europe and the UK in 2024.”

She added: “Reselling returned items isn’t just good for the planet and for business, it’s what our customers want.”

In April, it was reported that a growing consumer appetite for affordable pre-owned goods led to online marketplace Vinted tripling its profits.

The Lithuanian-based business posted a net profit of £66.39m for 2024, up from £15.41m the previous year, as sales increased 36% to £704.10m.

Earlier this year, Ikea also set out to expand its second-hand marketplace, following its successful pilots in Oslo and Madrid.

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