Amazon has launched Second Chance Deal Days in the UK, offering customers discounts on high-quality returned and refurbished items.

The sale runs from 3 to 9 September and is designed to appeal to shoppers seeking more sustainable options and looking to reduce waste.

The online retailer said customers can save up to 50 per cent across all product categories during the event. Amazon claims that in 2024, UK customers saved more than £110 million by purchasing returned and refurbished items, highlighting the growing appeal of second-hand shopping.

Amazon offers used alternatives in nearly every category, including personal tech, computing, gaming, home and kitchen, fitness, and toys. The company states that over 30 million second-hand products are now available to UK customers.

Recent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), commissioned by Amazon, found that two-thirds of Brits are now buying second-hand, motivated by the cost of living and environmental concerns. The study also revealed that trust is a key issue for shoppers: 43 per cent worry about product condition, while 39 per cent are concerned about the lack of warranties when buying second-hand.

To address these concerns, Amazon resells used, returned, and refurbished items through two main programmes. Amazon Resale offers used and open-box products at discounted prices, with each item undergoing a thorough inspection before being listed for sale. Amazon Renewed features refurbished products provided by Amazon’s selling partners. These items are professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned, and must meet Amazon Renewed’s requirements before being offered to customers.

John Boumphrey, Amazon UK country manager, said: “We've seen that once customers experience the value and quality of these products, they become confident second-chance shoppers, saving money along the way and helping to extend product lifecycles. Our dedicated teams check every returned product. Customers can be assured that any used product they buy meets our quality standards and comes with Amazon's customer service and return policies.”

The launch of Second Chance Deal Days comes as the second-hand market continues to expand in the UK, with consumer demand for sustainable and affordable shopping options on the rise.

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