Canadians increasingly shopping second-hand: poll

Second-hand shopping is becoming the first choice for more Canadians more often, according to a new report.

Retail consultancy firm DIG360 and the Angus Reid Institute say 77 per cent of adult Canadians reported purchasing at least one pre-owned item in the last year. Almost one third (31 per cent) of respondents acknowledged U.S. tariff threats are a factor behind their increased thrifting.

The report says Gen-Z and Millennials are leading the shift towards second-hand shopping with books, music and adult clothing and shoes among the most popular items.

Facebook Marketplace is the most popular place to pick up pre-owned items, followed by charitable thrift stores and garage sales.

While most say it’s more affordable and sustainable, 40 per cent of respondents also felt that avoiding buying American products would be a good reason to shop for pre-owned items.

For those who didn’t make a second-hand purchase in the last year, their reasons are simple.

The report says respondents cited, “the time it takes browsing, discomfort with their perception of second-hand stores, dislike for items used by others, low quality perceptions, and sometimes simply forgetting it’s an option.”

On the flip side, more than 90 per cent of Canadians say they’ve sold or donated items in the past year and a quarter, reporting an increase in that behaviour.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently added 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods to a running tally that includes hefty duties on steel, aluminum, automobiles and, more recently, semi-finished copper.

Last week, Statistics Canada gave a glimpse at how the economy wrapped up the second quarter of the year when many of those tariffs came into full effect.

While the agency sees a couple of small contractions in real gross domestic product by industry in April and May, its flash estimates show the economy rebounding somewhat in June.

The report by DIG360 and Angus Reid Institute says Canadian retailers might be able to take advantage of the experiential benefits of second-hand shopping to earn customers.

“Many Canadians (71%) believe pre-owned shopping is a good way to find unique items, and 54% find it a fun, treasure-hunting experience.”

—With files from The Canadian Press