Viennese youth discover second-hand: shopping sustainably is booming!

Viennese youth discover second-hand: shopping sustainably is booming!

Anyone strolling through the streets of Vienna can hardly miss the fact that the second-hand goods trade is on everyone's lips. According to the Vienna Chamber of Commerce The trade in second-hand goods is booming, and not without reason: around 600 companies are active in the used goods trade and throw an impressive two billion euros into the Austrian economy every year. Furniture, home supplies, clothing and accessories are particularly popular, which underlines the diversity of the offering.

Of course, young people in particular play a central role here. The main target group for second-hand items are teenagers and young adults who set trends and inspire each other through social media. Videos and posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok whet the appetite for used treasures and show how creative you can be with upcycling. But caution is advised: WKW expert Timea Oberwagner warns of possible fraudsters in the used goods trade. Buyers should definitely look for the yellow sticker “authorized used goods dealer” at the dealer, as this is the only way to ensure that a warranty and return shipping are offered.

The online trend

A look at economic development shows that online trading of second-hand goods has experienced a real boom. Before the corona pandemic, flea markets and stationary shops were the main places of sales. But online platforms such as eBay Kleinanzeigen and Vinted are now ahead. The Statista reports that over 40% of respondents to a 2024 survey have already purchased second-hand clothing. The demand for used items is growing worldwide and digital natives know where to find the best bargains.

The potential of the second-hand market should not be underestimated. The market volume was around 14.8 billion euros in 2022, and online providers now take over 40% of the market. Forgotten are the days when used clothing had a bad reputation - stylish second-hand fashion from luxury brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton is very popular. Younger buyers in particular value cheaper prices and the sustainability factor in order to counteract fast fashion.

Sustainability in focus

The increasing relevance of the topic of sustainability has also changed purchasing behavior. More and more people are turning to recycling, upcycling and repair. These trends are also evident in the second-hand sector, where more and more retailers are offering repair services or buying back used items. What is not neglected is the possibility that some creations are offered in the form of rental concepts - from baby equipment to garden furniture, everyone can find something here that is suitable for their own use.

Ultimately, it can be said: The used goods trade in Vienna and beyond not only offers a wide range of products for environmentally conscious buyers, but also secures jobs and promotes creativity. The combination of a growing awareness of sustainability and the simple thrill of browsing for treasures guarantees that the second-hand world remains strong among local customers - and is far from having its day.