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Viennese youth discover second-hand: A boom for old goods!
The used goods trade in Vienna is booming, especially among young people who appreciate second-hand goods and upcycling.
Viennese youth discover second-hand: A boom for old goods!
There is a clear trend in Vienna: the trade in second-hand goods is in full swing. According to the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (WKW), this sector is booming and has an annual sales volume of an impressive two billion euros. Around 600 companies are active in the used goods trade and primarily appeal to a very specific target group: young people. These are open to sustainable forms of consumption and rely on what is already in circulation. The second-hand boom is reinforced by the great popularity of used furniture, home supplies, clothing and accessories, as meinbezirk.at reports.
What is the reason for this trend? Upcycling plays a central role here. Old objects are redesigned and given a second chance. The demand for old goods is also largely fueled by social media, as numerous users inspire each other through videos and posts. However, caution is advised when shopping: WKW expert Timea Oberwagner warns against fraudsters in the used goods trade and recommends looking out for the yellow badge “authorized used goods dealer”, which stands for warranty and return shipping.
From flea markets to online platforms
Before the corona pandemic, flea markets and stationary second-hand stores were the main places where used products were sold. However, since the pandemic, online trading has experienced a real upswing. Platforms like eBay Kleinanzeigen and Vinted make it easy to buy and sell used items. According to statista.com, over 40% of those surveyed in an online survey from 2024 have already purchased second-hand clothing. Internet sales have become increasingly dominant in recent years as buyers look for cheaper prices and conserve resources.
In Germany, buying second-hand fashion is also becoming increasingly important. Big brands like H&M are keeping up with the times and now even offer used clothing via their own second-hand platforms. This development is not surprising considering the increasing climate awareness of today's generation, who increasingly value the sustainable use of fashion and accessories.
The market is constantly growing
In 2022, the market volume of the second-hand market was around 14.8 billion euros, as a comprehensive study by IFH KÖLN shows. During this time, online retail has overtaken brick-and-mortar retail in the used goods category for the first time. The convenience of online shopping is attracting more and more shoppers and changing consumer spending priorities.
Private spending is increasingly shifting to areas such as housing and food, while fashion and leisure take up a smaller share. The biggest growth drivers include not only the climate-conscious generation, but also the range of reuse, upcycling and repair services that more and more retailers are integrating. Innovative rental concepts for various products, such as initial baby equipment or garden furniture, complement the portfolio of the second-hand market.
In summary, the trend towards second-hand goods in Vienna and beyond is not just a fad, but a sustainable movement that is permanently changing people's purchasing behavior.