Ikea to pilot online buyback service for secondhand furniture
Ikea will test an online buyback service in Spain and Portugal before the end of December, with a potential UK rollout if successful.
In Brief
- •Ikea will test an online buyback service in Spain and Portugal before the end of December, with a potential UK rollout if successful.
- •The service offers vouchers for unwanted secondhand furniture and lets buyers and sellers arrange collection or delivery directly.
- •Ikea predicts pre‑owned goods could capture 16% of the UK homewares market next year; the secondhand market is worth over £4.5 bn and grows 6.5% annually.
- •Ikea’s products account for about 9% of furniture sold on UK secondhand marketplaces, and a buyer‑protection fee of roughly 5% will be introduced later.
Why It Matters
Ikea’s move into an online buyback platform signals a broader shift toward circular retail, offering consumers a convenient way to recycle furniture while reducing waste. By targeting the growing pre‑owned market—worth more than £4.5 bn in the UK—Ikea positions itself against established resellers such as Vinted and eBay, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and accelerating the adoption of sustainable purchasing habits.
Key Details
- Pilot regions
- Spain, Portugal
- Projected UK market share
- 16% of homewares market
- Secondhand market value
- >£4.5 bn
- Annual growth rate
- 6.5%
- Buyer protection fee
- ~5% of item price
Context & Background
Ikea already offers in‑store buy‑back; the new online service expands reach to a wider audience and aligns with the company’s sustainability goals.
What To Watch
Service testing in Spain and Portugal to conclude by end of December 2026
Original Reporting & Sources
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