The second-hand e-commerce market in the United States is booming! Three major categories will support the market in the future

It is learned that recently, FloorFound released the results of its first Earth Day consumer survey, investigating American consumers' shopping preferences and behaviors regarding sustainability and resale.

The survey found that nearly 69% of Americans said their shopping habits have changed due to rising prices, including 71% who have purchased used or resale items in the past year and 76% who plan to do so this year.

Value and sustainability are the top two reasons consumers shop online, and key findings from the survey of more than 600 U.S. consumers include:

Consumers believe that resale has two major advantages: low price and environmental protection

Resale combines the advantages of low prices and sustainability, and more and more consumers plan to resell more items in the future.

82% of Americans cite “discounted prices” as the main benefit of buying used or resale items.

51% listed “sustainability/keeping items out of landfill” as a key benefit.

Other advantages include uniqueness (36%), quality (24%) and fast pickup or delivery (17%).

76% of consumers plan to purchase resale items in the coming year. People under 30 are particularly enthusiastic: 84% have purchased secondhand items in the past year, and 87% plan to do so in the next 12 months.

Main resale categories

Clothing and furniture are the most popular resale categories, with big-ticket items receiving a lot of attention in the year ahead.

The top three resale items Americans purchased last year were: clothing (44%), furniture (28%), and footwear (22%).

Looking ahead, the top three resale items in the U.S. will be: apparel (40%), furniture (31%), and home decor and tools (25%).

Appliances and fitness equipment are among the fastest growing categories in the resale market, with 19% of consumers planning to purchase used or resale equipment this year (up from 15% last year), and 15% planning to purchase used fitness equipment (up from 9%).

Facebook Marketplace becomes the preferred platform for second-hand shopping, but lacks consumer trust

Facebook Marketplace is the preferred platform for American consumers to purchase second-hand goods online, but its trust level is low.

59% sometimes or often buy used furniture on Facebook Marketplace, rising to 70% for Millennial and Gen Z shoppers (ages 18-44).

Best prices: Consumers said thrift stores (62%) and Facebook Marketplace (37%) offer the best prices on furniture items.

Best Experience: Consumers rely on furniture retailers (48%) and thrift stores (38%) to provide the best customer experience. Facebook Marketplace lags significantly (20%).

Most Transparent: Consumers trust thrift stores (42%) and retailers (41%) for the condition of used goods. Only (27%) trust product descriptions on Facebook Marketplace.

Consumers are more favorable toward brands that offer resale services

New resale models are popular but not yet widespread, providing retailers with an opportunity to better serve their customers and build brand value through sustainability.

While apparel resale models such as TheRealReal and Patagonia are growing in popularity, the majority of consumers (59%) are unfamiliar with these platforms.

54% of consumers under 30 are familiar with these resale models, indicating that the next generation of consumers is more adaptable.

68% of consumers are interested in resale programs that offer quality used furniture in good condition at a discounted price.

89% of consumers would consider a brand offering resale goods to be the same or better.

The survey suggests that new resale models represent a significant growth opportunity for large retailers and brand manufacturers. Retailers and brands can take actions to implement and promote resale programs to capture market share.

Editor ✎ Xiao Zhu/

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