Gen Z are behind a boom in the antiques industry, research has revealed.
A poll of 1,000 18- to 29-year-olds found 63% are becoming increasingly drawn to vintage furniture, retro homeware and classic fashion pieces, with 75% claiming older items add more character than modern alternatives. For 83%, social media platforms are fuelling the trend. However, for 40% of sustainable shoppers, antiques as a stylish way to buy better and waste less.
The average Gen Z adult first developed a love for this quirky interest at just 18, with more than one in five (22%) influenced by their grandparents. A third (32%) go thrifting weekly basis, with them most likely to purchase home décor, collectibles, art and prints.
The study was commissioned by TV channel Quest to promote the launch of the second series of Johnny Vegas’ Little Shop of Antiques, which sees the comedian, actor, artist and avid collector pursue his life-long dream of opening an antiques and collectibles shop, Vintage Vegas.
Johnny Vegas said: “It’s lovely to see more people discovering the joy of rummaging through auction rooms, flea markets and salvage yards. You never know what you’ll find and that’s half the fun of it.
“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.”
The study also found the average Gen Z adult is prepared to spend £244.14 on an antique piece of furniture or collectible. However, they say they would like to make purchase more often but are restricted by price.
More than three in 10 (32%) are motivated to buy such items because of their unique style, while 20% admire the quality and craftsmanship that is associated with vintage things.
Youngsters choose to head to antique stores (38%) and car boot sales (25%) in the hope of seeking out old gems, with one in 10 even attending live auctions.
These live bidding wars have been the driving force behind the interest of 28%, while 32% became interested in older items through TV shows.
It emerged 39% see their love for antiques as a hobby, but 40% treat it as an investment, according to OnePoll.com data.
The vintage boom shows no sign of slowing down, with nearly half (46%) of Gen Z’s claiming their friends are now becoming more interested in these types of items and collectibles.
Johnny Vegas said: “I love that younger people are getting the antiques bug.
“There’s something magical about finding an old object that’s had a life before you – and getting so much joy from it.
“You don’t have to spend a fortune or know all the fancy terminology. Half the fun is rummaging about, finding something that catches your eye and wondering where it’s been before it ended up on your shelf.
“It’s brilliant to see antiques becoming less intimidating and more about personality than perfection.
“If this new generation keeps rescuing old treasures instead of buying everything brand new, then I reckon the future of antiques is in very safe hands.”