Currys has reported that over a third (36 per cent) of Brits say they are more likely to buy second-hand tech ahead of Black Friday and Christmas shopping this year.
The retailer’s research looked into the motivating factors behind the “refurbished revolution” in consumer tech, with Brits now more likely to buy second-hand technology (32 per cent) than they are clothes (19 per cent).
Steve Pendleton, Services Director at Currys, said: “We know that our customers are buying into the refurbished revolution for two main reasons: a desire to be more environmentally mindful – buying a refurbished product means that a valuable device remains in use, rather than being left unused, discarded or recycled – and amazing value for money, with top of the range devices available at a cut-price cost.
“We’re incredibly proud to support our customers on both of these fronts, thanks to our team in Newark who repair, refurbish and re-sell a whole host of previously unwanted tech at amazing prices.”
Its research found that 75 per cent of respondents said they were worried about the amount of e-waste produced by appliances and over a quarter (29 per cent) said they would be more likely to buy refurbished rather than new devices if it helps them reduce their environmental footprint.
Currys’ research suggests that deal-savvy consumers and an increasing trust in refurbished retailers are both accelerating this boom, with half of respondents (47 per cent) saying that buying refurbished tech appeals to them as it helps them to save money.
A third (34 per cent) suggested that being able to buy from a well-known retailer, like Currys – which offers refurbed customers a 12-month technical guarantee for extra peace of mind – makes them more likely to shop second-hand.
It also highlighted that the “refurbished revolution” is being led by younger generations, with 67 per cent of 18-24 year olds more likely to buy refurbished tech this year compared to this time last year.
Whilst environmental concerns are very real for this age group – four in five (83 per cent) said that they were concerned by the e-waste crisis; one in three (31 per cent) want to actively reduce their environmental footprint – refurbished tech also appeals to them when it can be bought with flexible credit options.
A quarter (24 per cent) said they would be more likely to buy a refurbished item if it could be purchased with flexible payment options like interest-free credit, compared to the all-ages average of 10 per cent.
Mr Pendleton added: “Then, there’s the fact that we now sell refurbished devices right alongside new items. That means customers can trust in the same great brands they always have done, have peace of mind thanks to our one-year guarantee and take advantage of the same flexible payment options that are available when you buy any other new product with Currys. Three incredibly compelling reasons to buy refurbed.”
