The new marketplace supports IKEA’s vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people by providing an additional way for customers to access affordable IKEA products and pass on items they no longer need as their circumstances change.
The launch complements IKEA’s existing in-store Buyback & Resell service, introduced in 2021, which allows customers to sell eligible products back to IKEA in exchange for an IKEA refund card. The service allows customers to sell eligible products back to IKEA in exchange for instore credit. The new marketplace enables peer-to-peer transactions, where sellers can choose to receive payment in cash or opt for an IKEA digital refund card with a 15% bonus.
Together, Buyback & Resell and the second-hand marketplace give customers more flexible ways to pass on eligible IKEA products they no longer need.
“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. 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. ”
Responding to changing consumer habits
The launch comes as new IKEA research shows that second-hand shopping is becoming an established part of everyday life in Ireland. More than nine in ten adults (93%) say they shop for second-hand goods, with value and quality among the key drivers. Among those who shop second-hand, 58% say saving money or stretching their household budget is a key motivation, while 387 are drawn by the opportunity to access higher-quality items for less and 36% enjoy the thrill of finding a bargain.
Furniture is already an established part of this behaviour, with 45% of adults who shop second-hand saying they buy pre-owned furniture. When deciding whether to purchase second-hand furniture, affordability is the primary driver for 56%, ahead of finding a unique or discontinued style (16%), reducing environmental impact (15%) and immediate local availability (12%).
Research also highlights the opportunity for people to pass on furniture they no longer need. Moving home or relocating (45%) and home renovations or redecorating (42%) are among the biggest reasons people say they would be likely to sell furniture online, while spring cleaning (31%) and post-Christmas decluttering (22%) are also common motivations for selling furniture online.
Designed specifically for IKEA products
Customers can list current or previously sold IKEA home furnishing products on the marketplace with the exception of mattresses, appliances and food. Modified products, recalled products and products that are not from the IKEA brand are also excluded.
Sellers can scan an eligible item to create a listing. The platform provides recommended pricing, product photography and measurements to help sellers prepare their listings.
Each listing also includes product descriptions, assembly instructions and care information, giving prospective buyers useful details before they make contact. Sellers can choose to receive their proceeds as cash or receive a 15% top-up on an IKEA digital refund card.
“The way people furnish their homes has changed. 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. 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.”
Prioritising affordability in a cost-of-living crisis
The launch marks another step in IKEA’s commitment to affordability at a time when many households continue to feel pressure from the cost of living. Among adults in Ireland who shop second-hand, 58% say saving money or stretching their household budget is a primary reason. The marketplace enables more people to access affordable IKEA products, with prices on average 60% lower than comparable new products.
The marketplace could also help customers unlock potential value from items they no longer use. Among respondents who provided an estimate, the average value of unused home and garden furniture sitting in Irish homes is €531, while unused home décor and accessories are worth an average of €347.
The research also points to practical ways of making second-hand shopping easier. A wider selection in their area would encourage 43% of adults to shop second-hand more regularly, while 33% cite better quality guarantees or condition descriptions and 27% cite a mobile app or easier browsing. The second-hand marketplace brings IKEA listings together in one place and provides product information to support customers as they browse, buy and sell.
The launch follows a €6 million investment by IKEA Ireland to lower prices on 457 popular products by up to 25% nationwide, as part of Ingka Group’s wider €1.2 billion affordability investment across Europe. The reductions include customer favourites such as the VALEVÅG standard double mattress, now €229 from €299, and the KALLAX shelving unit, now €59 from €70. Additional exclusive in-store offers are also available at IKEA Ballymun, including the BILLY bookcase, now €29 from €40.
The IKEA second-hand marketplace is available exclusively to IKEA Family members. Customers can join IKEA Family for free on IKEA.ie.
For more information about the IKEA second-hand marketplace and data shared you can be explored through IKEA.ie (https://secondhand.ikea.com/ie/en).
