The Re-commerce revolution: Poland embraces sustainable shopping

Research shows just how mainstream secondhand shopping has become. According to a study conducted by the Poznań University of Economics for OLX,  an overwhelming 83% of Poles have participated in trading used electronics, with similar participation rates for pre-owned clothing. But re-commerce is no longer limited to fashion and electronics. The product catalog is constantly expanding, with toys and hobbies, electronics, fashion, and furniture leading in user numbers, says Professor Arkadiusz Kawa of UEP.

This growth shows no signs of slowing down. “In July 2025, the number of ads for used items increased by 5% year-on-year. We saw the largest increase in searches in the electronics category – the absolute leader was the iPhone, whose popularity increased by over 117% year-on-year.” Laptops, phones and computers were also very popular, says Kamil Szabłowski PR Lead, OLX Poland.

Behind these numbers lies a deeper transformation in consumer values. Global trends show that consumers are increasingly prioritizing reliability, sustainability, and value for money over the lowest prices offered by problematic Asian platforms. 

The data paints a concerning picture of these alternatives: 

• Quality concerns: Nearly 45% of Poles consider children’s items from Asian platforms unsafe
• Delivery issues: Over 60% report delivery times as too long
• False advertising: 1 in 3 consumers receive products that don’t match advertised photos
• Environmental impact: One major Asian platform produces CO2 emissions equivalent to 180 coal-fired power plants annually.

This shift in consumer awareness inspired OLX’s thought-provoking exhibition “When the ‘occasion’ does not rhyme with ‘asian” at Warsaw Central Station, which highlighted the stark contrast between disappointing Asian platform experiences and the trusted, sustainable alternative that local re-commerce provides. You can watch the video from the exhibition to see firsthand how visitors engaged with this important message: https://youtube.com/shorts/JnvXToZXfrM?si=D0SgeU0kIQ8v4oz3

The message is clear: Polish consumers are choosing quality, trust, and environmental responsibility over cheap imports. This creates significant opportunities for trusted local re-commerce brands like OLX to capture market share and drive the growth of sustainable commerce in Poland, that benefits both consumers and the planet.