Zoomers' new viral trend: Flea market finds they swear beat brand-new stuff
What Gen Z considers fashionable (AI-generated image)
If you thought antique shops and flea markets only appealed to older generations or avid collectors, it's time to rethink. A new large-scale study shows that it is precisely young people aged 18 to 29 who are currently driving a genuine boom in the antique and collectibles market.
Daily Express reports on what items young people are choosing.
Why young people choose retro?
According to the survey, eight out of ten young people prefer vintage style. Over 63% of Gen Z are increasingly choosing second-hand furniture, retro decor, and classic wardrobe pieces over modern alternatives.
The primary driver of this trend is social media, which inspired 83% of respondents to make vintage purchases. However, aesthetics are not the only reason:
- Uniqueness and soul: 75% of young people believe that old items have far more character and individuality than modern mass-produced goods.
- Sustainability: 40% of young buyers view antiques as a stylish way to support conscious consumption and reduce waste.
- Family influence: On average, interest in such items awakens at around age 18, with 22% of Gen Z admitting their taste was influenced by their grandparents.
Where they hunt for treasures and how much they're willing to spend
One-third of young people (32%) go vintage hunting on a weekly basis. They most often purchase home decor items, paintings, prints, and small collectibles.
Favorite shopping spots:
- Specialized antique stores (38%);
- Flea markets and car-boot sales (25%);
- Live auctions (10%).
On average, a Gen Z representative is willing to spend around £244 (over 13,000 UAH) on an antique furniture piece or collectible item. At the same time, 39% of young people view this as a pleasant hobby, while 40% consider vintage buying a legitimate financial investment.
Magic of items with history
The survey was conducted to mark the launch of the show Little Shop of Antiques, whose host, actor and collector Johnny Vegas, perfectly explains the phenomenon:
"I think younger people are realising that antiques bring something you just can't buy off a shelf. They've got character, craftsmanship and a story to tell, and that's what makes a house feel like a home. You don't need to be an expert or have deep pockets either. If something makes you smile, sparks your imagination or just feels like 'you', then that's reason enough to give it a second life."
