IKEA Expands Buy Back & Resell Offering – SBS Insight

What’s happening

IKEA now accepts over 2,800 product lines for trade-in, allowing customers to receive store credit for gently used, functional items. These products are then resold in the As-Is section at participating stores.

The service is primarily available to IKEA Family members, with some locations excluded due to local regulations.

Why this matters for UK businesses

As sustainability becomes a more influential factor in purchasing decisions, UK businesses can benefit from adopting similar buy-back or resale initiatives.

This approach:

• reduces waste and disposal costs

• supports circular economy principles

• creates potential new revenue streams

• strengthens brand reputation with environmentally conscious customers

Key facts at a glance

• IKEA has added 700 more product lines for trade-in, totalling over 2,800 products

• Customers receive store credit for clean, functional used items

• Resold items are available in dedicated As-Is sections

• The programme is exclusive to IKEA Family and Business Network members

• Some stores, including locations in Brooklyn and Houston, do not participate due to local laws

SBS insight

At SBS, we encourage businesses to consider how resale and buy-back schemes could support their sustainability strategy. When designed properly, these initiatives can deliver measurable cost savings while improving compliance with waste and resource-efficiency regulations.

Further reading

IKEA Buy Back Program
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/circular/buy-back/

VMSD on IKEA Expansion
https://vmsd.com/ikea-expanding-resale-concept-to-u-s/