Post-Christmas resale markets across France have seen a remarkable surge, as hundreds of thousands of unwanted gifts hit online platforms like Ebay and Rakuten. Following the annual holiday, the phenomenon of trading off less-desired presents became increasingly popular among French consumers this year, marking a shift from previous trends where the motivations centered more around financial necessity than personal preference.
According to Ebay, as of the morning of December 26, the platform reported 340,000 resale advertisements for unwanted items, surpassing the 300,000 listings recorded at the same time last year. The site's projections suggest this number could reach nearly 600,000 by the end of December 26, and potentially three million by January 3, 2025.
This isn't just about individuals wanting to get rid of gifts they won't use; it reflects changing consumer behaviors driven by inflationary pressures and the desirability of swapping unwanted items for something more appealing. "This year, individuals favor trading unwanted gifts for items they actually desire," said Ebay, highlighting the trend's evolution compared to last year's purely financial motivations.
Rakuten has also reported significant activity on its platform, boasting 680,000 new listings on December 26 alone. Among the most resold items are tech products, video games, and toys, with notable mentions including Kamel Daoud’s Goncourt-winning book "Houris," the popular video game "God of War" for PlayStation 5, AirPods Pro second generation, and the timeless Chanel No. 5 perfume. This diverse mix encapsulates the current marketplace's dynamic, where various product categories find new homes.
According to Rakuten's analysis, the average resale value for gifts sold last year allowed each seller to recoup around 100 euros—a figure anticipated to be similar or exceed this year’s. This highlights not only the financial aspect of reselling but also indicates consumer willingness to rethink what to do with gifts not quite fitting their tastes.
Further data from studies commissioned by major resale platforms indicates growing acceptance among French consumers, with four out of ten reportedly open to reselling gifts received this holiday season. This newfound openness signifies changing attitudes toward gift giving and receiving, where people are now more adept at interacting with the resale market.
The post-Christmas resale surge exemplifies how quickly consumer behavior can adapt, especially during economic fluctuations. With more individuals exploring online marketplaces, it seems the relationship between gift exchanges and personal satisfaction is shifting toward exchanging items for something one truly wants—perhaps indicating consumers are more willing than ever to engage with resale trends.
Looking forward, as families and friends exchange gifts throughout the holiday periods, the expected surge of online resale advertisements will likely continue to grow. The sheer volume of listings expected is illustrative of not just post-Christmas behaviors but also longer-term shifts within consumer culture as recycling unwanted items becomes more normalized.
