Thriving Through Thrifting: How Canadians’ Spending Habits Changed During the Pandemic

As COVID-19 made its mark on the world in the beginning of 2020, many Canadians had to reprioritize their spending habits. Finally, more than three years later, on May 5th 2023, the WHO declared the end of COVID-19 as a global emergency. 

Now that we’re heading into the first summer after this announcement, are Canadians still spending and planning to spend their money in the same way? What is the second hand economy looking like in 2023 for Canada? To find out, we conducted a nationwide survey and put together the Kijiji Home Sweet Home Report 2023 Edition. Spoiler alert: Canadians are leaning more and more on the secondhand economy—oh how we love to see it! 😉

Take a peek at what we learned, below! Or dive into the full report here.

Using the second hand economy to spruce up your home

45% of Canadians are buying the same amount of items or more for their home now than they did during the pandemic. What’s the reason? 30% of them have moved into a new home. In 2021, people bought the same amount of items (or more!) for their homes mainly because they cared about how their place looked.

What are Canadians spending less money on?

Since 2021, the amount of people buying items for their home over delivery, take-out, or dining out has gone up 14%! While concerts and sports games are coming back into play, people of all age groups have equally reduced attending these types of events.

How is the second hand economy impacting Canadians?

So far in 2023, 42% of Canadians (16% more than in 2021!) have thrifted for home items rather than buying them new. Hint: the Kijiji app is a great place to look for incredible second hand finds!

What are the reasons Canadians are buying pre-loved instead of new?

The #1 reason: To save money (81%)

The #2 reason: To reduce environmental impact (44%)

The #3 reason: To source unique stuff (30%)

Using Kijiji and the second hand economy to sell stuff

Did you know? 1 in 5 people have sold, traded or donated home items through the second hand economy in Canada during the pandemic. Almost the same amount of Canadians plan to partake in the second hand economy, using apps like Kijiji to sell pre-loved stuff and make some extra money ahead of this summer.

What are the other top reasons Canadians have been selling their stuff? 67% said they did it to declutter and 41% said they wanted to donate the money to charity. 

Embracing the future of the growing second hand economy in Canada

To find out more about how Canadians’ spending and selling habits have changed, take a look at the Kijiji Home Sweet Home Report 2023. Let us know what you think in the comments about the surprising new trends and the rise of the second hand economy in Canada!