In one word – YES! It’s absolutely worth your time to explore second-hand markets. The trend of sustainability and being climate positive are the new buzzwords. People love and flaunt their use of pre-owned goods. And one can get a massive selection of good quality goods at a very good price. In India, some may have bad experiences by getting poor quality garments while buying second-hand. Here, the situation is completely different. Also they can be pure fun, like a scavenger hunt, to trawl through huge collections to find that dress you always wanted.
What can you buy in second-hand markets?
Literally everything, From routine clothes and shoes to luxury bags and branded garments. You can also get an assortment of kitchenware, plates, lights, books and furniture. However, its advisable to be careful of buying used electronics in markets. You may have a better luck grabbing them from a FB marketplace seller.
Where can you buy it from?
From colorful flea markets to posh upscale boutique stores and buying online from the comfort of your home, second-hand shopping has got a life of its own in Sweden. Indulge in the eclectic varieties and pamper yourself without stressing your wallet.
Markets:
Sunday market at Hötorgetshallen is bursting with old books, artwork, and utensils.
Vårbergs Flea Market – open every day from 1030 to 1800. You can get a wide selection of goods. It has an entrance fee of 15 SEK on weekdays and 10 SEK on weekends. Find out more here.
Hornstulls Marknad – This lively outdoor market is open between April and September, and sometimes for a few days in December. From good street food to used goods, this market is a treat to visit.
Mojligheternas Hus – This second-hand place has a treasure trove of books and old DVDs. If you are a collector, you have to visit this place.
Loppis markets – Loppis, which means flea markets in Swedish, pops up in different parts of the country on different days. Follow their calendar to plan to attend one.
Kyrkornas Secondhand – Run by four Church congregations in Taby, this place is a 1000 sqm delight for secondhand shoppers where they sell garments, furniture, toys, books and gadgets. They are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Stores:
Myrorna – This is a chain of second-hand stores across the country, from Stockholm to Boras, and is known for its quality control. They even have an online shop where you can bid for pre-owned goods. Always had an eye for the Canada Goose parka? You can pick it up at a bargain here.
Tradera – Another second-hand goods chain, which markets itself as the largest circular marketplace in Sweden. Kind of eBay of Sweden. Apart from a big collection, they do have a cool mobile app too. You can bid for the goods you like and the highest bid gets the product. However, do read their terms and conditions before buying.
Sellpy – Sustainability is a buzzword for Sellpy which mostly sells clothes and fashion accessories from a plethora of brands. It has a usable mobile app too. They even deliver their orders on environmentally friendly electric bicycles and on cars running on fossil-free fuel.
Erikshjalpen – This business donates surplus money for the development of poor children. With more than 40 stores across Sweden, it sells fashion goods, accessories, and some home stuff. They also have an online store called Secondhand.
Beyond Retro – As the name suggests, this chain of retail stores sells vintage clothes. On a well-designed site, you can find a lot of clothes for all sizes. Check them out here.
Arkivet – This brand has been around for decades in various forms. The current one sells branded used women’s clothes, bags, shoes, and other accessories. If you are a connoisseur of top fashion brands such as Atelier, Louis Vuitton, Maria Nilsdotter, and Isabel Marant, among others, this is your place. They have four stores.
Busfro – With over a dozen stores, this second-hand retail chain sells a lot stuff such as garments and accessories. You can sell your used goods too here and they take a commission of 60% from the sale price and you get 40%.
Emmaus Stockholm – They have three well-stocked second-hand stores in Stockholm. They also work for women’s rights in Africa. You can donate your used goods to them.
Stockholms Stadsmission – Also known as Stockholm City Mission is a non-profit organization founded over a century earlier to help the less fortunate. They also run several second-hand stores which are among the most popular ones. Visit a store near you or their online portal.
Tise – This trendy online store has a good collection of curated clothes, gadgets and accessories, They have a mobile app too.
Sold directly by users:
Blocket: Blocket is where Sweden goes to buy, sell or rent. Anyone can post a free to sell something or buy something. If you find anything interesting, message the seller and pick up at a mutually agreed location.
Ticketswap – Do you have tickets for a concert but can’t attend for some reason? You can get them here. And if you are looking to find that elusive ticket for a Coldplay gig, you can find it here too. Sometimes at a discount. And according to its rules, no one can charge more than 120% of the ticket cost.
Facebook Marketplace – With our increased usage of Facebook, this has become a go-to for a lot of people. In Sweden, people even buy a lot of high-value items there. Quality is usually good as people tend to depend of trust.
Circular economy – The principle revolves around the concept of reusing, refurbishing, sharing, repairing, and recycling. If more people get on the train, it will lead to a climate-friendly and sustainable way of growth with much less wastage. We at MSH are big supporters of circular economy and circular fashion, one of which is buying second-hand goods.
What do I need to check before buying?
When you are buying from established stores, the products are usually prechecked. But you should check carefully to identify any signs of tears or spots on the clothes. In the case of electronics, some stores only confirm that they are getting charged but don’t vouch for their quality. Things get a bit different when you are directly buying from another person. Now you have the onus to check the item properly before buying. Check if delivery is available or else delivery of furniture could cost you several hundred Kronas. Sometimes the delivery cost of second-hand furniture becomes more than the furniture itself.
Where to sell goods you don’t use?
Many of the above stores take donated goods or buy them from you. You can choose either of those options to declutter your house. Places such as Busfro also help sell your goods for commission. If you want to sell something small and quick, FB marketplace is the way to go. But do remember, strangers will come to your house to check the item before buying. Get money instantly through Swish. For less headache, refrain from transacting in
Are there any scams?
As with any transaction, there are some scams here too. Usual ones include selling defective gadgets or counterfeit garments. Some stolen bicycles and other stuff also end up on marketplaces. In case you are buying furniture, make sure you inspect them before buying and do not agree for it to be delivered to your location before checking.
(READ: Online shopping in Sweden)
