Ikea today launches peer-to-peer resale for Ikea Family loyalty members in UK and Ireland.
Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, said it is taking the next step in developing its second-hand marketplace after initially launching it in Madrid and Oslo in June 2024.
The latest move will involve Ikea testing integrating its ‘Buyback’ service in Portugal and Spain, giving sellers the choice of receiving an offer directly from Ikea when they list an eligible product. At the same time, UK and Ireland Family members can now buy and sell pre-owned Ikea products directly with one another on the second-hand marketplace.
In the time since launch, across the first six markets, the marketplace has received 15 million visits and generated 95,700 listings. Commercially, Ikea is also getting a better understanding of its customers through the proposition, with 25.5% of marketplace users either new or reactivated Ikea Family members.
As well as the sustainability aspect of keeping good items in circulation, affordability is apparently at the heart of why the marketplace has been so well received. On average, pre-owned Ikea products listed on the platform can cost 60% less than their new Ikea equivalents.
Emily Birkin, development & transformation manager at Ingka Group, commented: “We started small, listened closely and have developed the marketplace step by step.
“The data tells us there is clear interest. Testing the option for customers to sell direct to Ikea on the marketplace and exploring delivery partnerships are practical next steps. Together with the launch in the UK and Ireland, these tests will help us make it simpler for the many people to buy and sell pre-owned Ikea products.”
Buyback, which allows customers to sell eligible pre-owned products directly to Ikea, will be connected with the marketplace on a test basis in Portugal and Spain by the end of December 2026. The idea is that owners can choose whether to sell back to Ikea or look for a different deal from a fellow consumer.
Meanwhile, a trial with TippTapp is currently live in Portugal and Sweden, connecting customers who need help moving an item with people who can transport it.
The Ikea second-hand marketplace is already available in Spain, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Sweden and Belgium. With today’s launch in the UK and Ireland, and next week’s launch in Germany it is starting to build momentum across Europe.
Ikea Family members can list products free of charge, and when an item sells the sellers can choose a bank transfer or an Ikea digital refund card with 15% extra value, which can be used against a future purchase.
[image credit: Ikea/Ingka Group]
