The buying and selling of second-hand products has become a common practice in Catalonia, with Barcelona emerging as the capital of this phenomenon. According to data from Wallapop, the leading platform in this sector, 60% of Catalans regularly buy used products, a figure that reflects a profound change in consumer habits.
This trend not only responds to the search for savings but also to a greater awareness of sustainability and the circular economy. The annual report La red del cambio, prepared by Wallapop and ISDI, highlights that Catalan users of second-hand platforms can obtain up to 1,794 euros annually through sales and savings, exceeding the Spanish average by 682 euros.
“"Nowadays you can find everything and even in perfect condition, many people sell when they move, and in Barcelona the offer is enormous."
The most popular categories in second-hand buying and selling in Catalonia include technology, home, leisure, and fashion. Products such as bicycles, wardrobes, mirrors, and desks are among the best-sellers, while searches focus on cars, technology, home, and leisure, with iPhones and bicycles being the most sought-after items.
A curious aspect is the influence of cultural events on searches. For example, interest in items related to Rosalía soared by 212% before her concerts in Barcelona, with a significant increase in searches for vinyls and t-shirts. This phenomenon demonstrates how Wallapop acts as a "trend thermometer" for local current events.
Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of this model. The Wallapop community in Spain, Italy, and Portugal has contributed to avoiding the emission of 473,000 tons of CO2, a reduction equivalent to eliminating all traffic in Barcelona for half a year, as highlighted by the company during the visit of Minister Sílvia Paneque to its offices.
