Refurbished and used electronics drive marketplace growth across Europe

Refurbishment sparks consumer interest

One of the fastest-growing drivers is the refurbished electronics segment. Sustainability, lower prices and better warranties are attracting consumers to pre-owned Apple iPhones and other refurbished devices. Marketplaces like Back Market and refurbed are expanding rapidly. Even fashion-centric platforms such as Vinted are now building out refurbished electronics offerings.

Generalist marketplaces dominate by scale

Amazon continues to lead across most European markets, with some countries showing over 20% share. eBay holds strong, especially in refurbished categories. Newer entrants like Temu and Shein are disrupting the lower end of the market. Regional players such as bol in the Netherlands and Allegro in Poland also remain important.

Electronics specialists gain ground

MediaMarktSaturn continues its expansion in Poland, Belgium and Turkey, while Fnac Darty’s joint venture with Unieuro strengthens its Southern European presence. Elkjop Group dominates the Nordics, and platforms like Digitec in Switzerland and Vanden Borre in Belgium hold national strongholds. All are increasingly active in refurbishment.

Refurbishment becomes mainstream

Back Market leads the refurbished-only segment, while refurbed is expanding into new markets. Vinted, OLX and MediaMarkt are strengthening their refurbished electronics offers. With more platforms entering the space, refurbished is no longer niche but a key component of the electronics strategy.

A competitive but shifting landscape

While Amazon remains on top, the overall European electronics marketplace is more competitive than ever. The updated Marketplace Quadrant Electronics now lists 63 platforms active in Europe, reflecting a vibrant, evolving market—one increasingly shaped by the rise of refurbishment.