The market for used goods in Austria is booming. Nearly every second person now buys secondhand goods several times a year, with consumers spending an average of 195 euros annually, according to a survey by the Retail Association. Almost three-quarters of those surveyed have purchased used goods at least once. “In total, we currently estimate a market volume of around 2 billion euros annually,” said Rainer Will, Managing Director of the Retail Association.

Sustainability and Saving Books, movies, and clothing are particularly popular secondhand purchases. Additionally, toys and furniture are also favored secondhand items, according to the market research institute Reppublika survey. Fifty-nine percent of secondhand buyers reported using platforms like Willhaben or eBay. The report said that flea markets (52 percent) and secondhand or vintage shops (37 percent) are also popular.

The main reasons for choosing secondhand are sustainability and saving money. Many of the consumers surveyed also believe they can find items no longer available in traditional retail stores.