Announcements

Pre-loved and self-gifting offer the way to get a taste of luxury this festive season

Press Release

  • Two in five people (41%) would be happy to receive a pre-loved luxury gift

  • One in three (31%) believe Christmas is also an opportunity to treat themselves

  • eBay UK opens ‘Taste of Luxury’, a new immersive festive experience to encourage pre-loved gifting instead of new this Christmas

As the festive season commences new research from eBay UK reveals that two in five (41%) people would be happy to receive a pre-loved luxury present this Christmas if it meant they could get a luxury item.* 

To help combat the gift-giving anxiety which over half (57%) of the nation has admitted to experiencing, eBay is lifting the lid on the gifts people would be pleased to find under the tree. 

In place of a trend-led present, the majority (57%) would prefer a timeless gift and a present that they wouldn’t purchase themselves (37%). This comes as eBay has seen a rise in searches for luxury products in the run-up to the festive season, with searches for Chanel bag, Tiffany necklace and Rolex watch increasing by 50%, 20% and 10%, respectively on the platform across this period**.

To inspire the nation to shop for pre-loved presents this year, eBay is opening its doors to ‘Taste of Luxury’ - an immersive experience that aims to turn Mayfair’s exclusive scene on its head by putting authenticated pre-loved luxury centre stage. ‘Taste of Luxury’ is open in the heart of Mayfair from Thursday 30th November to Saturday 2nd December, secure your ticket here.

Although traditionally considered a time for giving to others, one in three consumers (31%) believe Christmas is also an opportunity to treat themselves. Four in five (79%) of those who would treat themselves would consider pre-loved luxury, with this choice rising to 87% amongst 18-34-year-olds.

Reasons for the surge in pre-loved vary, with a third (31%) of shoppers looking to shop more sustainably, 25% looking for more unique gifts and a further 34% looking to save this year.

Keith Metcalfe, Director of Luxury at eBay Europe said: “We know Christmas shopping can be a stressful experience for many, and a traditional luxury in-store shopping experience can be daunting. So we’re hoping to lighten the load and add a little fun to the hunt for that special handbag, watch or jewellery gift, by welcoming people to eBay’s ‘Taste of Luxury’, which will offer something for everyone in a festive setting.

We hope to help the nation overcome its gifting nerves and tackle the stigma that remains surrounding pre-loved. After all, a pre-loved Chanel handbag, Rolex watch or Cartier love bangle will look just as good under the Christmas tree, as something new. And with the chance to explore these authenticated premium products in person before purchasing them online, we hope to combine the festive cheer with an added layer of confidence.”

eBay encourages festive shoppers to find the perfect gift for themselves or a loved one by shopping their pre-loved selection of luxury handbags, watches and jewellery, which are authenticated by eBay UK’s Authenticity Guarantee programme. This programme ensures luxury items sold on the marketplace are fully vetted and verified by a team of industry experts.

 

Notes to Editors

* Opinium Consumer Research of 2,000 UK adults, October 2023.

**Internal eBay Data search data September 2022 vs November 2022

Event Details

Location: HOFA Gallery, 11 Bruton Street, London, W1J6PY

Date: Thursday 30th November - Saturday 2nd November 

Time: 10AM - 7PM (1hr Slots)