Rising costs push consumers toward second-hand goods

As the cost of living climbs while wages stagnate, more Namibians are turning to second-hand goods to stretch their budgets and stay afloat.

Namibian Sun recently spoke to several consumers who described buying second-hand as both a practical and strategic choice.

Gift Masule, who shops for books, electronics and furniture once or twice a month, said affordability and environmental benefits drive her decisions.

“Rising living costs make me buy more second-hand goods to save money,” she explained.

Masule added that she would continue buying pre-used goods even if her finances improved, valuing both savings and eco-friendly consumption.

Ronald Kennedy, who also prefers shopping for second-hand cars, phones and furniture, noted that the steep prices of brand-new items often push people toward used alternatives.

“Brand-new phones cost a lot, while you can buy the exact same phone second-hand for half the price,” he said.

Kennedy also highlighted growing financial pressure in the country. “Inflation is rising quickly, while salary increases move at a tortoise pace. Second-hand cars are more chosen today because they’re affordable and offer more options.”

Pre-owned in vogue

Shop owners have taken note of the trend, with the rising demand for pre-owned goods reshaping their business strategies.

Georginnah Kashela, owner of Beauty Hive and a long-time seller of second-hand clothing, said demand is driven by both style and price.

“People want something nice and elegant at a reasonable price,” Kashela said. “Clothing is now about affordability and quality. Most Namibians can barely afford standard shop prices.”

Kashela added that her business, which initially offered styling services, has grown as more customers seek unique outfits without paying full retail prices.

Constrained resilience in action

Economic data and expert insight suggest the shift to pre-owned goods is rooted in broader pressures on households.

Standard Bank economist Helena Mboti told Namibian Sun that although inflation has slowed to around 2.4% in early 2026, price levels remain high compared to salaries and wages.

“Even as inflation declines, prices continue to rise, just at a slower pace,” she said.

The result: real incomes have steadily eroded, pushing households to seek more affordable options, including cheaper, second-hand goods.

Mboti described the trend as “constrained resilience".

Consumers remain active in the market but adjust spending due to pressures on purchasing power.

Retail faces changing demand

Recent data from the Namibia Statistics Agency supports this.

Economic growth slowed to 1.7% in 2025, while private consumption contracted sharply by 0.2%.

This suggests that demand is being reallocated rather than expanding, with households prioritising cost-effective alternatives over new, high-priced goods.

The second-hand economy, while significant, remains largely informal and under-represented in official statistics, Mboti added.

If the trend continues, formal retailers and importers could face reduced demand, especially for discretionary items. However, any economic recovery or improved incomes may shift some demand back toward new goods.

[email protected]