IKEA second-hand marketplace launches in Germany: A new milestone in the circular economy

On October 14, 2026, the Ingka Group announced that the IKEA second-hand marketplace has officially become available to customers in Germany. Operated from the Hofheim-Wallau headquarters, this new digital platform allows people to buy and sell used furniture and home accessories directly to and from each other. This initiative not only supports sustainability but also responds directly to significant shifts in consumer behavior regarding used goods.

In short: IKEA has officially launched its digital IKEA second-hand marketplace in Germany, utilizing AI technology to make buying and selling used items incredibly simple, thereby promoting furniture reuse, sustainability, and the circular economy.

How does the new IKEA second-hand marketplace work?

To use the platform, users simply need a free IKEA Family account. Listing items and selling them is completely free of charge. As an added benefit during the launch period, the company is waiving the standard buyer protection fee, which normally amounts to 5 percent of the purchase price.

The most innovative feature of the system is its AI-assisted image recognition. The seller only needs to take a single photo of the item they wish to sell. The platform’s image recognition identifies the product and automatically populates the listing with the official product name, exact dimensions, detailed description, official product images, and even suggests a fair selling price. Sellers can still manually adjust the condition and price before publishing. Buyers also benefit greatly, as the listings automatically provide access to assembly instructions, care guidelines, and information on available spare parts.

Payment processing is handled securely by a certified payment provider. Sellers have two payout options: they can receive 100 percent of the sale value via direct bank transfer, or they can choose to receive the amount on an IKEA gift card. If they choose the gift card option during the promotional launch phase, they receive an additional 15 percent bonus coupon based on the sale value, valid for their next purchase. The company has a strong track record of supporting circularity; as previously covered, IKEA has invested in companies to promote recycling.

Background of the German launch and international experience

The entry into the German market was preceded by an extensive testing and rollout phase. The very first pilot projects operated by the Ingka Group were launched in Spain and Norway. Following their success, the platform was gradually rolled out in 2025 and 2026 across Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. The experience and customer feedback gathered from these earlier markets served as a crucial foundation for the German launch. Interestingly, the first testers and “ambassadors” of the platform were the retail chain’s own employees, who began listing items before the official public opening, ensuring the marketplace was populated from day one.

Kirsten Andersson, Managing Director Platform & Marketplaces at Ingka Group, emphasized that their goal is to make trading used furniture and accessories easier and more attractive, ultimately providing more people with simple access to affordable home furnishings.

Data from a dynamically growing market

The market for used home furnishings is experiencing a massive boom. According to a 2024 survey by Statista Plus, the German second-hand furniture market grew by an average of 4.4 percent annually between 2019 and 2024, reaching a volume of around 2.1 billion euros. Forecasts predict this value could reach 2.9 billion euros by 2030. The brand’s products already perform exceptionally well in this segment, accounting for 7.7 percent of the entire used market in Germany in 2024.

Charlotte Miles, Country Sales Manager for IKEA Germany, confirmed that customer expectations have changed drastically. The share of online transactions in this sector increased from 46 percent in 2019 to 58 percent in 2024.

This trend is further supported by a 2025 global study (GlobeScan) covering over 30,700 adults in 30 countries: today, one in five people buy their household items predominantly or exclusively second-hand. This is a fundamental preference, particularly among younger generations. The new digital interface is therefore a logical next step in the Swedish company’s omnichannel strategy, aiming to make home furnishing more accessible, affordable, and sustainable.

GYIK – Frequently Asked Questions

What account is needed to use the IKEA second-hand marketplace?

To use the platform, both buyers and sellers need to have a free IKEA Family account.

How much does it cost to list items?

Listing products and selling them is completely free on the platform. Additionally, the standard 5% buyer protection fee is waived during the launch period.

How does artificial intelligence assist in selling?

The seller only needs to take a photo of the product. The system uses image recognition to automatically identify the item and populates the listing with exact dimensions, official descriptions, product images, and a price suggestion.

What are the payout options?

Sellers can request the full purchase price via bank transfer, or they can choose to receive the amount on a gift card, which includes an extra 15% bonus coupon during the launch period.

🔗 Official sources and references: 👉

IKEA Newsroom

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