Swedish furniture giant IKEA has introduced a new peer-to-peer resale platform, IKEA Preowned, as part of its ambitious goal to become a fully circular business by 2030. The platform, currently being trialed in Madrid and Oslo, allows users to buy and sell second-hand IKEA furniture, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional marketplaces.
IKEA Preowned enables sellers to list their used furniture and homeware by uploading photos and setting a price. Leveraging AI technology, IKEA will automatically provide the correct measurements and additional images from its extensive database, streamlining the listing process. Buyers can then purchase these items directly from the sellers, who have the option of being paid in cash or receiving an IKEA voucher with an additional 15% credit.
This initiative is part of IKEA’s broader efforts to reduce resource consumption and minimize waste by keeping furniture out of landfills. “By finding new homes for preloved IKEA products, we aim to reduce waste and extend the life of our products,” the company stated.
IKEA Preowned is positioned to compete with established resale platforms like eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace, where IKEA products already represent a significant share of the listings. “Already today, 10% of the second-hand home furnishing market is made up of IKEA products,” said Tolga Öncü, retail operations manager for IKEA franchisee Ingka Group.
In addition to buying and selling, the platform includes a “care and repair” section where users can order spare parts, removable covers, and wood stains to refresh their furniture. This service aligns with IKEA’s commitment to ensuring all products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled by 2030.
While the platform is free to use during the trial period, IKEA may introduce a small fee in the future. The trial will run until the end of the year, after which the company will assess its success and determine the next steps for a global rollout.
This initiative expands on IKEA’s existing buy-back program, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable home furnishing solutions.
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