eBay Creates New Holiday: Recommerce Day

eBay declared May 21st “Recommerce Day” and will transform its homepage to celebrate the day and generate interest in shopping for used goods. According to Retail TouchPoints, eBay is working with legislators to make it an official state holiday in California. eBay’s hometown of San Jose, California, introduced a resolution declaring May 21 as Recommerce Day, and a resolution was introduced in the California State Legislature to recognize May 21 as Recommerce Day. “These resolutions will help further increase interest in pre-loved shopping, increase the conversation around supporting sustainable practices, and remind people of the benefits for themselves and the environment,” eBay said.

eBay explained in a press release: “Recommerce Day features a “takeover” of the eBay homepage with opportunities to learn more about recommerce, find great pre-loved deals, and participate in an eBay Live program featuring exclusively pre-loved items. Throughout the day, starting at 9am PT, there will be opportunities to win fantastic pre-loved and refurbished prizes during the eBay Live stream.” One seller enthusiastically greeted the campaign, writing in part, “Get out the noisemakers and party hats, folks! It’s Recommerce Day!”

According to eBay, its customers and general consumers are increasingly turning to shopping preloved items to find unique items and great values and because it’s good for the planet.

eBay also released its fourth annual Recommerce Report today with the results of a survey of over 28,000 people worldwide. The survey found that while almost three in five (59%) global consumers bought pre-loved goods in the last year, over 70% of consumers surveyed plan to buy pre-loved goods this year. Consumers aged 18-24 are most likely to have bought pre-loved goods in the last 12 months (65%).

eBay CEO Jamie Iannone was quoted in today’s press release: “eBay has been a driving force behind recommerce, and we continue to invest in tools and technology that fuel the circular economy. Our team is making it easier than ever to buy and sell used or refurbished items on the marketplace, and eBay’s inaugural Recommerce Day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of shopping sustainably.”

The CEO also noted on Monday the release of eBay’s annual Impact Report, “which details the significant environmental, economic, and social advancements we’ve achieved globally,” Iannone said in a post on LinkedIn. “eBay has been a champion of sustainability for over 28 years, and we look forward to continuing this progress and meeting our ambitious climate goals.”