Rising costs push consumers toward second hand goods
Network Media Hub (NMH) spoke to several consumers yesterday who described buying secondhand 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 secondhand goods to save money,” she explained. Masule added that she would continue buying secondhand even if her finances improved, valuing both savings and eco-friendly consumption.
Another consumer Ronald Kennedy, who prefers secondhand 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 secondhand for half the price,” they said. They also highlighted growing financial pressure in the country: “Inflation is rising quickly, while salary increases move at a tortoise pace. Secondhand cars are more chosen today because they’re affordable and offer more options.”
Resellers are noticing the trend. Georginnah Kashela, owner of Beauty Hive and a long-time seller of secondhand clothing, said demand is shaped 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 explained that her business, which started with styling services, grew as more customers sought unique outfits without paying high prices.
Economic data and expert insight suggest the shift to secondhand goods is rooted in broader pressures on households. Standard Bank economist Helena Mboti told NMH that although inflation has slowed to around 2.4% in early 2026, price levels remain high compared with incomes. “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 secondhand goods.
Mboti described the trend as “constrained resilience.” Consumers remain active in the market, but adjust spending due to pressures on purchasing power. 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 prioritizing cost-effective alternatives over new, high-priced goods.
The secondhand economy, while significant, remains largely informal and underrepresented 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.
