Ikea introduces a service for buying and selling pre-owned furniture.
Ikea is experimenting with an in-house online platform for selling and buying pre-loved Ikea goods. Late this year, individuals in Oslo and Madrid will have the chance to engage in this commerce on the platform referred to as Ikea Recycled, as revealed by the "Financial Times". The ultimate aim is to make it available globally.
At present, utilizing the portal doesn't incur any charges. Sellers can dictate their own price points for their secondhand Ikea merchandise, while AI assists in estimating prices based on age and condition. Customers opting for payment in the form of an Ikea voucher are rewarded with an extra 15%, essentially translating to a discount on their next purchase. This move is to motivate customers.
The platform, named Ikea Second Hand, currently showcases sofas priced multiple hundred euros, along with inexpensive toilet paper holders. This e-commerce site is a component of Ikea's shift towards enhanced online trading and service delivery, while also aiding in improving Ikea's environmental sustainability and circular economy. Stores have been reselling used goods, under specific circumstances, for some time now.
The shift towards digital became critical for the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating store closures. Ikea strives to emerge as the first stop for furnishings online, with this secondhand marketplace serving an essential role. Additional services such as consultation on room planning might also be introduced.
The establishment of this secondhand marketplace aligns with Ikea's commitment to promoting trade in sustainable and pre-loved items. This initiative further expands Ikea's trade in used goods, beyond physical store sales.
