The ReCommerce sector is growing “up to 20 times faster” than the broader retail market, new research suggests.

The study by retail business accelerator Cross-Border Commerce (CBC) – with support from companies including Checkout.com and FedEx Express - projects that the ReCommerce sector will grow from €75 billion in 2021 to €120 billion by 2025.

ReCommerce is the practice of selling pre-owned items thought customer-to-customer marketplaces to buyers who then refurbish, recycle or resell them.

If the projections bear out, over the coming years, ReCommerce will grow its market share from 10 per cent to 14 per cent, CBC said.

Some 93 per cent of surveyed consumers said that inflation impacts their decision to buy and sell pre-owned goods with an increasing emphasis on making and saving money, with the CBC attributing much of the sector’s growth to this.

Topping CBC’s ‘Sustainable Marketplaces operating in Europe’, Ebay was found to be the largest seller of used, second-hand, refurbished and repurposed items.

Lituania-based Vinted was the top ReCommerce site for fashion, jewellery, and baby products.

Commenting on the study, CBC founder Carine Moitier said: “It makes sustainable marketplaces operating in Europe more transparent and stimulates a sustainability journey for this entire sector.”

CBC’s study follows research by Ebay, suggesting that UK shoppers are likely to buy more second-hand Christmas gifts this year, with the company's Christmas Ads Report finding that near two-fifths of UK shoppers are prioritising value for money this year.

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