As the world marked the 5th anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was declared a global health crisis by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, a significant shift in consumer behavior has become apparent. Milanuncios, a leading online marketplace for second-hand goods, has released its inaugural “Study on Changes in Spanish Consumption Habits after COVID-19.” The study reveals that 6 out of 10 respondents claim to be more conscious of their consumption habits and prefer buying local products compared to the pre-pandemic era.
To gather these insights, Milanuncios conducted a survey of 1,000 Spanish individuals, analyzing their habits before and after the pandemic. The results reflect a profound change in daily life that has persisted. Notably, the study found that the preferred mode of shopping has undergone a significant transformation. Prior to the pandemic, 48% of Spaniards preferred visiting physical stores, while only 23% regularly made purchases online. However, during the lockdown, the tide turned, with a 53% increase in digital sales in 2020, according to data from the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC).
Fast-forward to the present, a study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights that online transactions have reverted to pre-pandemic trends in 47 countries, including Spain. Despite the spectacular increase in total spending during the lockdown, the growth in online transactions has not been structural in Spain. This shift is further exemplified by the growing popularity of second-hand shopping, with 66% of respondents stating that they have changed their consumption habits since the pandemic. The GenZ demographic is particularly inclined towards this trend, with 77% affirming a change in their consumption patterns.
The second-hand market has experienced significant growth, with over half of the population considering it a more conscious and sustainable option. In fact, 70% of Spaniards have resorted to buying second-hand products at least once in the past five years, with Millennials and GenZ being the most avid users of this market. The primary motivation for this shift is cost savings, cited by 64% of respondents, followed by a desire to be more sustainable (46%) and the quest for unique items (25%). As a result, the second-hand sector has become a cornerstone of the circular economy and a key environmental ally.
Milanuncios, with its vast collection of over 14.4 million listings and an average of 61,100 new daily ads, has witnessed this trend firsthand. The platform’s total market value exceeds €8.525 billion, according to the “2024 Second-Hand Market Radiography.” Iñigo Vallejo, a spokesperson for Milanuncios, notes that the COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in global society, altering the way people work, interact, and consume. He emphasizes that, five years after the crisis, second-hand shopping has become a primary option for many, with this trend gaining momentum during the lockdown and persisting to this day.
In terms of the most sought-after products, the survey reveals that books, clothing, and accessories, as well as technology, have been the most popular items. However, the pandemic has also led to increased demand for specific products, such as the PlayStation 4, which saw a 350% surge in demand during the first month of lockdown. This console remains one of the most searched-for items on Milanuncios. Additionally, the shift towards outdoor activities has fueled a 77% increase in searches for bicycles, making it the most sought-after product in the second-hand market for the third consecutive year.
The pandemic has undeniably led to a fundamental shift in consumer behavior, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, thriftiness, and the pursuit of unique items. As the world continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, it is likely that these trends will persist, driving growth in the second-hand market and shaping the future of consumption habits.