Pre-loved shopping is becoming a significant lifestyle choice in the Philippines, driven by a growing demand for affordability and environmental responsibility, according to Carousell’s annual “Year-in-Secondhand” report.
Among the top categories for secondhand shopping on Carousell across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, women’s fashion topped the list, with the Philippines contributing to over 30% of regional transactions.
Thrifted fast-fashion brands are particularly popular among Filipinos, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions by 2,544 tonnes. This is roughly the same as washing 552,048 loads of laundry, illustrating the environmental benefits of secondhand shopping.
The report also highlights that Filipino sellers earned an average of ₱39,000 from secondhand sales this year. This places the Philippines among the top three regional markets in terms of earnings, showcasing Carousell’s role in providing Filipinos with an opportunity to declutter their homes and earn extra income while supporting sustainability.
Popular searches on Carousell reflect a preference for stylish yet affordable fashion, with terms like “dress,” “Zara,” “Uniqlo,” and “bag” frequently topping the list. Additionally, there is an increasing demand for affordable luxury items, with brands like “Coach” and “Kate Spade” emerging as popular choices. This indicates a growing trend of Filipinos seeking high-end products without the steep price tags.
Clothing is also the most commonly donated item on the platform, promoting a culture of generosity within the Carousell community. Notably, shopping activity in categories such as women’s fashion, men’s fashion, and hobbies & toys remains steady throughout the day.
A notable trend among Gen Z users is the growing interest in 2000s digital cameras. Searches for “digital camera” have now outpaced “iPhone” in 2024, signaling a revival of the Y2K aesthetic.
Filipino users are most active on Carousell between 9 and 11 p.m., engaging in browsing, chatting, and transacting after work hours. Sellers, in contrast, tend to be most active around 2 p.m., using the afternoon to update their listings.
The report also reveals a rising interest in collectibles, with fans of Sonny Angel and Labubu turning to Carousell to find rare items, making both names popular in the platform’s top searches.
“It’s inspiring to see the Filipino community embrace pre-loved options as part of the circular economy,” said Shine Resurreccion, business director and market representative at Carousell Philippines. “By choosing secondhand, they’re making choices that benefit both their wallets and the planet. In fact, their collective efforts have reduced environmental impact equivalent to 8,067 years of watching Netflix non-stop.”
This growing trend shows that pre-loved shopping is not only a practical solution for budget-conscious shoppers but also a significant step toward sustainability in the Philippines.
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