Ikea announced plans to introduce a dedicated online secondhand platform in the UK that will serve members of its loyalty program. The marketplace will allow customers to connect and conduct local transactions of pre-owned Ikea furniture and home goods. The platform is expected to launch in the coming months, with additional details to be shared at a later date.
The initiative builds on pilot programs the Swedish retailer has already conducted in Spain and Norway. It also represents an expansion of the company’s in-store secondhand buying and selling operations, which began in selected UK locations approximately five years ago. The Spanish marketplace currently features pre-filled product descriptions and pricing guidance from Ikea, along with incentive programs such as offering sellers a 15% bonus when payments are received as gift cards. Buyers in Spain face a 5% protection fee beginning next year to cover transaction-related costs.
The move positions Ikea as a direct competitor to established resale platforms including eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and Gumtree. The secondhand furniture market has experienced significant growth as consumer interest in pre-owned goods has accelerated. Other major retailers including Currys and AO have similarly entered the market, while AO strengthened its position through its acquisition of MusicMagpie in 2024. These developments have created substantial pressure on traditional charity retailers.
Ikea has cited sustainability as a key driver of the initiative, linking it to the company’s commitment to achieve climate positive status by 2030. This objective includes transitioning all products to use renewable, recyclable, or recycled materials. The secondhand marketplace aligns with this broader environmental strategy while also capitalizing on the expanding consumer demand for preloved items.
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