Throwing away is clearly no longer a reflex.

Between ecological imperatives and the need to stick to your budget despite skyrocketing prices, more and more consumers are turning to the second-hand market.

If recovery unfortunately remains a necessity for too many people, it is at the same time experiencing a peak in popularity among the middle classes.

In addition to the unmissable flea markets and garage sales in which books, DVDs, trinkets and toys easily find buyers, countless more or less specialized web platforms, particularly in clothing and fashion accessories, allow sellers and buyers alike to make good deals.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Savings as a leitmotif

The second-hand market is now estimated at 7 billion euros in France and 86 billion in Europe, according to a study by fintech Tripartie published in January.

Moreover, this practice is now well anchored in habits, since 7 out of 10 people buy second-hand clothes, while 1 out of 5 has already sold their smartphone.

Fashion is also the first sector to benefit from this general enthusiasm, as confirmed by a survey by the Natixis Payments Observatory published in the fall, which noted a market increase of + 140% between 2019 and 2021.

As for consumer justifications, they are divided.

Last year, a survey conducted by Appinio among 1,000 people said that 48.8% of shoppers opting for sustainable items did so "to lessen the impact of their wardrobe on the environment".

That said, only 22% of respondents said they often turn to sustainable fashion to expand their wardrobe.

More prosaically, 2 out of 3 French people would resell their clothes to earn a little money, according to an opinion poll published in April by Site-annonce.fr.

In support, 81% of respondents believe that the second hand can achieve between 25 and 50% savings.

Therefore, 28% of the approximately 500 people questioned believe that it is a good way to fight against rising prices, while 47% say they have resorted more to the second-hand market since the start of the health crisis.

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  • Budget

  • Consumption

  • Economy

  • Inflation

  • purchasing power

  • Survey