IKEA launches a second-hand marketplace in Ireland, enabling customers to buy and sell used furniture as demand for affordable home furnishings grows.
IKEA has launched a dedicated second-hand marketplace in Ireland, allowing customers to buy and sell pre-owned IKEA furniture directly with one another as demand for second-hand shopping continues to grow.
Available exclusively to IKEA Family members, the new platform enables customers to list current and previously sold IKEA products, helping households pass on furniture they no longer need while giving buyers access to affordable items, including products that may no longer be available in stores.
“Whether they are moving, redecorating or looking for a particular piece, more customers are considering pre-owned furniture alongside new and are actively searching for items that can help create a home that feels personal to them”
The launch expands IKEA’s circular economy offering and complements its existing Buyback & Resell service, introduced in 2021, which allows customers to return eligible furniture in exchange for an IKEA refund card. The new marketplace introduces peer-to-peer transactions, giving sellers the option of receiving cash or choosing an IKEA digital refund card with a 15% bonus.
KEY NUMBERS: IKEA’s Second-Hand Opportunity
• 93% of Irish adults shop for second-hand goods
• €531 average value of unused furniture in Irish homes
• 60% lower prices than comparable new IKEA products
• 58% shop second-hand to stretch household budgets
• 45% of second-hand shoppers buy pre-owned furniture
• €347 average value of unused home décor and accessories
• 43% would shop second-hand more with wider local choice
• €6m invested by IKEA Ireland in product price reductions
Editorial takeaway: Ireland’s booming second-hand market presents IKEA with a significant opportunity to connect cost-conscious consumers with hundreds of millions of euro worth of underused furniture already sitting in homes.
Furnishing the circular economy
“At IKEA, our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people, and that means making well-designed, functional home furnishing more accessible at different stages of life and across different budgets,” explained Emily Birkin, Development & Transformation Manager at Ingka Group.
“The second-hand marketplace is another way we can help more people access affordable IKEA products, while giving customers a simple way to pass on items they no longer need.”
The launch comes as IKEA research indicates that second-hand shopping has become firmly established among Irish consumers. According to the survey, 93% of adults in Ireland shop for second-hand goods, with value and quality among the principal motivations.
Among those who buy second-hand products, 58% said saving money or stretching the household budget was a key factor. A further 38% said they were attracted by the opportunity to access higher-quality items for less, while 36% cited the thrill of finding a bargain.
Furniture already plays a significant role in that market. Some 45% of second-hand shoppers purchase pre-owned furniture, while affordability is the leading consideration for 56% of consumers when deciding whether to buy second-hand furniture.
IKEA believes the marketplace could help unlock significant value sitting unused in Irish homes. Research found that the average value of unused home and garden furniture is €531 per household, while unused home décor and accessories are worth an average of €347.
The company said goods sold through the platform are typically priced around 60% lower than comparable new products, providing an affordable alternative for consumers feeling the effects of ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The marketplace has been designed specifically for IKEA products. Sellers can scan eligible items to create listings, with the platform automatically providing recommended pricing, product photography, dimensions, assembly instructions and care information.
Some product categories are excluded, including mattresses, appliances, food products, modified items, recalled products and products from other brands.
IKEA said the platform also responds to changing customer behaviour, with moving home, relocation and renovation projects among the most common reasons people consider selling furniture online. Spring cleaning and post-Christmas decluttering were also identified as key drivers.
“The way people furnish their homes has changed,” said Greg Lucas, Sustainability Manager, IKEA UK & Ireland, said.
“Whether they are moving, redecorating or looking for a particular piece, more customers are considering pre-owned furniture alongside new and are actively searching for items that can help create a home that feels personal to them.
“Our research found that 42% of adults in Ireland would find pre-owned furniture with a personal history or story more desirable than buying new. IKEA products are designed to be used, maintained and enjoyed over time, and the second-hand marketplace, as well as our instore buy back service gives people a straightforward way to pass on items as their needs change, with useful information to support them as they buy and sell.”
The launch follows a €6 million investment by IKEA Ireland to reduce prices on 457 products by up to 25% nationwide as part of Ingka Group’s wider €1.2 billion affordability investment across Europe.
The second-hand marketplace is now available through IKEA.ie and is free to access for IKEA Family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IKEA’s new second-hand marketplace?
IKEA’s second-hand marketplace is a peer-to-peer platform that allows customers in Ireland to buy and sell pre-owned IKEA furniture and home furnishings directly with one another.
Who can use the IKEA second-hand marketplace?
The service is available exclusively to IKEA Family members. Membership is free and can be obtained through IKEA Ireland.
How does the IKEA second-hand marketplace work?
Sellers can create listings for eligible IKEA products, while buyers can browse and contact sellers directly. Transactions take place between customers rather than through IKEA.
Can sellers receive cash for their items?
Yes. Sellers can choose to receive payment in cash from buyers or opt for an IKEA digital refund card that includes a 15% bonus.
What products can be sold on the marketplace?
Most IKEA furniture and home furnishing products can be listed. Mattresses, appliances, food products, recalled items, modified products and non-IKEA items are excluded.
How does IKEA help sellers create listings?
The platform can provide recommended pricing, product images, measurements, assembly instructions and care information for eligible products.
Why is IKEA launching the marketplace in Ireland?
The launch responds to growing consumer demand for second-hand shopping, affordability and more sustainable ways to furnish homes.
How popular is second-hand shopping in Ireland?
According to IKEA research, 93% of adults in Ireland shop for second-hand goods, with value, quality and bargain hunting among the key motivations.
How much money could Irish households unlock from unused furniture?
IKEA’s research found the average Irish home contains €531 worth of unused furniture and €347 worth of unused home décor and accessories.
How much cheaper are second-hand IKEA products?
Items sold through the marketplace are priced, on average, around 60% lower than comparable new products.
How does the marketplace differ from IKEA’s Buyback & Resell service?
Buyback & Resell allows customers to sell eligible furniture back to IKEA for store credit. The new marketplace enables direct customer-to-customer sales with cash or refund-card payment options.
Why are consumers buying second-hand furniture?
Affordability is the leading driver, followed by access to higher-quality products at lower prices, finding unique designs and reducing waste.
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