Ikea is launching a trial for its own second-hand online marketplace, enabling customers to sell items directly to one another instead of relying on third-party buy-and-sell platforms. This initiative, called Ikea Preowned, is currently active in Madrid and Oslo, with plans for a global rollout by December.
This development aligns with the increasing demand for second-hand furniture, clothing, and equipment, responding to a growing market trend. By promoting the reuse of items, Ikea aims to enhance its sustainability efforts and reduce waste, decreasing the likelihood of products ending up in landfills. This initiative also presents an opportunity for the company to increase profits through the resale of its own furniture.
A company spokesperson stated, “After December, we will evaluate the program and determine the next steps. Our ambition is to expand beyond Oslo and Madrid.” The popularity of used Ikea furniture has already been observed in various online marketplaces, where extensive listings reflect a strong consumer interest.
Environmental advocates have highlighted the significant accumulation of plastic waste produced by furniture manufacturers, which endangers marine life. The situation is worsened by the prevalence of inexpensive furniture, prompting consumers to discard unwanted items easily. Campaigners stress the necessity for a circular economy that emphasizes reuse, suggesting that if companies take responsibility for reselling their products, they may be incentivized to create more durable and sustainable items.
Moreover, developing its own online marketplace would allow Ikea to shift focus from traditional retail spaces, which incur high operating costs, towards the growing online sales market and assembly services. On the Ikea Preowned platform, sellers can list their items, while the platform’s algorithms automatically generate important details, such as dimensions and the original retail price. Additionally, Ikea has already begun offering pre-owned item sales in select stores, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability.
