The post-holiday shopping season is redefining consumer behavior as more people are opting to resell unwanted gifts rather than simply discarding them. Following Christmas 2023, platforms like eBay and Rakuten are witnessing significant upticks in the number of resale listings, reflecting shifting trends among French consumers during this festive season.
According to eBay, the day after Christmas saw approximately 340,000 listings for unwanted gifts—up from 300,000 at the same time last year. The platform estimates nearly 600,000 announcements will be posted between December 25 and 26, and by January 3, 2025, the total could soar to around three million. "Au total, ce sont près de 600 000 annonces qui devraient être mises en ligne par des vendeurs particuliers entre le 25 et le 26 décembre et 3 millions d'ici au 3 janvier 2025," eBay stated.
Similar trends are noted by Rakuten, which reported 339,000 new listings on the same day, indicating strong activity on resale markets. The twin findings from both platforms suggest consumers are more inclined to capitalize on their unwanted gifts, viewed not merely as burdens to offload but as assets to exchange.
This year marks a notable shift from previous trends where inflation drove many to sell items strictly for monetary gain. Instead, it appears 2023 is seeing consumers prioritizing the exchange of gifts they dislike for items they actually want. "Cette année, les particuliers privilégient davantage l'échange d'un cadeau qui ne leur convient pas contre un objet qui leur fait plaisir," commented eBay, highlighting this fundamental behavioral shift.
Alongside the rising numbers, Rakuten's messaging also notes the financial benefits for participants. "En 2023, la revente des cadeaux a permis à chaque revendeur de récupérer 100 euros en moyenne, un chiffre qui devrait être à nouveau atteint ou dépassé cette année," reported Rakuten, indicating users expect to recoup similar amounts this year.
The items dominating the resale market largely include technology products, video games, and toys—suggesting consumers are attempting to bypass monetary loss on gifts they received but didn't want. According to market observations, these trends could influence how companies might strategize their retail approaches going forward, especially as they aim to align supply with consumer preferences.
The increased activity on these platforms may also correlate with the traditional holiday gift-giving challenge: ensuring recipients truly appreciate and desire the presents they receive. With consumers wrestling with higher costs of living and inflation, ensuring happiness through the right gift has become even more challenging.
Analysts note such evolutions can be indicative of broader socio-economic factors, reflecting how disposable income is directed as consumer confidence fluctuates. If the trend continues, both retailers and online marketplaces may adapt their strategies to cater more directly toward reselling avenues and facilitating exchanges.
Simply put, the post-holiday gift resale phenomenon presents consumers with opportunities not only to unload gifts they don't want but also to connect with items they covet. This dynamic could reshape how holiday shopping and gifting are approached, prompting retailers to rethink their strategies as they adapt to a changing marketplace.
Looking forward, as more consumers embrace reselling unwanted gifts, platforms will likely need to ramp up efforts to streamline the process for both buyers and sellers. Overall, expected shifts suggest both challenges and opportunities await as consumers navigate this post-holiday season.
The displayed willingness to engage with resale platforms shows a growing trend—one where practicality and desire are coming together to reshape consumer behavior. Who knows? One might find their perfect gift waiting for them on eBay or Rakuten this holiday season.
