The U.S. second-hand market is expected to see a surge during the holiday season

According to a report from Mercari, 77% of American adults said they plan to buy at least one second-hand item this holiday season , as the second-hand market is already booming . This means that from October to December 2021, Americans will spend $69.2 billion on second-hand items, up 24% from last year.

72% of consumers surveyed said the top reason for buying used products is to save money. Other reasons include: being able to buy new products as soon as possible ( 36% ) , it is easier to buy used products during the holiday season ( 32% ) and sustainability issues ( 22% ) . Supply chain issues were also cited as another factor that influenced consumers to buy used products during the holiday season .

Apparel ranked as the most popular ( 40% ) secondhand product this holiday season , followed by toys and games ( 36% ) , home decor ( 35% ) , electronics ( 27% ) and handbags ( 27% ) .

"Sixty-two percent of Americans surveyed said they are concerned about product availability this holiday season, which will drive some people away from buying used products, " said John Raglin, CEO of Mercari U.S. "Our research shows that 20 million people in the U.S. will buy used products to avoid supply chain issues, and we estimate they will contribute $7 billion to the market . "

Mercari 's report also includes other data :

The average consumer who purchases second-hand products will spend $342 on second-hand goods , up 17.2% from $292 last year.

77% of adults say they are likely to purchase at least one used item during the holiday season. 38% will buy a used gift, while 49% will buy a used item for themselves or their family .

The holiday season will also boost product supply in the secondhand market, as people receive an average of 3.8 unwanted gifts, of which 997 million could potentially be sold . These gifts offer a segment of consumers the opportunity to make money through resale. Of those who received unwanted gifts , 36% plan to sell them.

Mercari's report was released in October 2021 , and the consumer data is based on a survey of 2,009 U.S. adults conducted in September 2021 by a third-party online market research company.

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second hand