The Secondary Home Furnishing Consumer: An Investigation into Psychological Motivations and Purchase Intention

Due to an increased interest in the circular economy, there has been a gradual shift to purchase used items including home furnishings by consumers. The secondhand home furnishing industry is gaining traction in the market and therefore, it is imperative to understand what is driving consumers to shop for these used pieces and adding them to their personal spaces. The purpose of this study was to explore psychological motivations for secondhand home furnishing consumption, including environmental sustainability, functionality, aesthetic style, and economics, and their impact on purchase intention. Guided by the theory of reasoned action, an online survey was administered to home furnishing consumers and data were analyzed quantitatively. Findings supported that the psychological motivations of environmental sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic style positively influenced consumer attitudes with purchase intentions of secondary home furnishing items. The results of this study expand the applicability of the TRA model specifically to secondhand home furnishing consumers. Practically, this study gives insights into secondary home furnishing consumers and their interest in environmental sustainability, functionality, and aesthetically appealing pieces.