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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Grandma's trash turned Gen Z's treasure: Estate sales are the newest craze
VIENNA, Virginia ‒ At noontime on a recent summer Friday, about two dozen cars were parked along a tree-lined culd-a-sac in this suburb 30 minutes outside of the nation's capital. A blue yard sign directed people to a house at the end of the street with a simple, beckoning message: 'Estate sale this way.' Women in their 20s and 30s meandered to their cars carrying cardboard boxes piled high with books, holiday decorations, clothes and picture frames. Across the country, scenes like this are becoming more common, as young people looking to shop in more sustainable ways are gravitating toward estate sales – rather than large retailers – to find low cost well-made products. In the past six months, the online estate sale marketplace Everything But the House saw a 28% increase in business, with much of that driven by young people, Chief Commercial Officer James Ferguson said. The company saw an 18% uptick in sales among people aged 25 to 35 in the first half of the year, he said. "There's a concept of quality and value from things that maybe are older or were gently used in a previous life. We call it pre-loved," he said. "They're seeing the opportunity to get something unique." Estate sales on the rise Raquel Sobczak, 25, began attending estate sales after the COVID-19 pandemic to find deals on clothes and trinkets she could use to decorate her house. This year, she said she made a commitment to buy only secondhand goods. Now, the Arlington, Virginia resident said she attends sales at least two or three times a month. 'It's better for the environment, but it's also better for my wallet to go and buy stuff secondhand,' Sobczak said, while shopping at a July 18 estate sale. 'I am not in a place where I could afford to go pay a few hundred dollars for this,' the 25-year-old said, holding up an ornate cuffed bracelet with a price sticker dangling from the side. 'But I could swing 20 bucks.' Gen Z consumers' rising interest in estate sales follows a broader demand among the age cohort over the last decade for thrifted goods. Young people began frequenting resale stores like Goodwill out of a desire to reduce their carbon footprint and shop more sustainably. In 2021 alone, 42% of Gen Z and millennials said they had shopped for secondhand clothes, according to a survey conducted by the online consignment site ThredUp. Some young people told USA TODAY they are now turning to estate sales after finding the inventory at thrift and vintage shops overrun with fast-fashion and cheap goods. 'I know if I'm going to an estate sale, I'm probably going to find real treasures that have been cared for by people,' said 27-year-old Edie Guy, who lives in Mount Vernon, Virginia. 'Sometimes you'll find that at thrift shops, but I feel like less and less because everyone and their mother is kind of donating to thrift stores just to get stuff cleaned out of their house.' Guy begrudgingly visited estate sales with her mom and grandmother when she was a child but said she didn't become interested in them until after college, when she needed to decorate her new apartment. As she and her husband look to furnish their first home, Guy said estate sales have become a life- and money-saver. 'The quality you get is unmatched,' she said. 'We can get an incredibly high quality crafted piece for $300, versus something online that was mass produced for like, you know, $5,000." Attracting young consumers Some estate sale companies have begun to capitalize on the increased interest from younger generations. an online marketplace and directory for in-person estate sales, has taken steps to attract Gen Z and millennial consumers on social media, company general manager, Marika Clemow, said. 'We can appeal more to them in that, not only are you buying something at a fairly decent price that's durable and long lasting ‒ but, you're not putting more plastics into the earth,' Clemow said. 'This generation is a little more open to items at estate sales not feeling like old, worn stuff, but being old reusable stuff.' Rising inflation and tariff concerns also may have a hand in Gen Z's new attraction to estate sales. In the past six months, Clemow said she's seen an uptick in people searching the digital marketplace for durable goods, like furniture, tools, school supplies and baby ware. Meanwhile, searches for luxury goods, like Rolex watches, have dipped. Diane Rotondo, who runs a Blue Moon Estate Sales franchise in Fairfax County, Virginia, said she's seen a similar demand for furniture. A couple of years ago, Rotondo said she couldn't get people to buy antique four-poster bedframes and now, young consumers are snatching them up early. "The cost of goods are going up and up and up and it makes it even more impossible to get the things you like," Rotondo said. "When you can go to find something that you really like and pay so much less than what you would in a store, it's just a pleasant experience." When asked about what she believes is drawing more people to estate sales, Rotondo said: 'the adventure.' 'It gives somebody the opportunity to treasure hunt in the modern day,' she said. 'It's like a little museum, but you get to purchase it and give it a new journey instead of it ending up in a landfill.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grandma's trash, Gen Z's treasure: Young shoppers love estate sales
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Grandma's trash turned Gen Z's treasure: Estate sales are the newest craze
Environmentally-conscious young people are heading to estate sales for low cost, well-made products. VIENNA, Virginia ‒ At noontime on a recent summer Friday, about two dozen cars were parked along a tree-lined culd-a-sac in this suburb 30 minutes outside of the nation's capital. A blue yard sign directed people to a house at the end of the street with a simple, beckoning message: 'Estate sale this way.' Women in their 20s and 30s meandered to their cars carrying cardboard boxes piled high with books, holiday decorations, clothes and picture frames. Across the country, scenes like this are becoming more common, as young people looking to shop in more sustainable ways are gravitating toward estate sales – rather than large retailers – to find low cost well-made products. In the past six months, the online estate sale marketplace Everything But the House saw a 28% increase in business, with much of that driven by young people, Chief Commercial Officer James Ferguson said. The company saw an 18% uptick in sales among people aged 25 to 35 in the first half of the year, he said. "There's a concept of quality and value from things that maybe are older or were gently used in a previous life. We call it pre-loved," he said. "They're seeing the opportunity to get something unique." Estate sales on the rise Raquel Sobczak, 25, began attending estate sales after the COVID-19 pandemic to find deals on clothes and trinkets she could use to decorate her house. This year, she said she made a commitment to buy only secondhand goods. Now, the Arlington, Virginia resident said she attends sales at least two or three times a month. 'It's better for the environment, but it's also better for my wallet to go and buy stuff secondhand,' Sobczak said, while shopping at a July 18 estate sale. 'I am not in a place where I could afford to go pay a few hundred dollars for this,' the 25-year-old said, holding up an ornate cuffed bracelet with a price sticker dangling from the side. 'But I could swing 20 bucks.' Gen Z consumers' rising interest in estate sales follows a broader demand among the age cohort over the last decade for thrifted goods. Young people began frequenting resale stores like Goodwill out of a desire to reduce their carbon footprint and shop more sustainably. In 2021 alone, 42% of Gen Z and millennials said they had shopped for secondhand clothes, according to a survey conducted by the online consignment site ThredUp. Some young people told USA TODAY they are now turning to estate sales after finding the inventory at thrift and vintage shops overrun with fast-fashion and cheap goods. 'I know if I'm going to an estate sale, I'm probably going to find real treasures that have been cared for by people,' said 27-year-old Edie Guy, who lives in Mount Vernon, Virginia. 'Sometimes you'll find that at thrift shops, but I feel like less and less because everyone and their mother is kind of donating to thrift stores just to get stuff cleaned out of their house.' Guy begrudgingly visited estate sales with her mom and grandmother when she was a child but said she didn't become interested in them until after college, when she needed to decorate her new apartment. As she and her husband look to furnish their first home, Guy said estate sales have become a life- and money-saver. 'The quality you get is unmatched,' she said. 'We can get an incredibly high quality crafted piece for $300, versus something online that was mass produced for like, you know, $5,000." Attracting young consumers Some estate sale companies have begun to capitalize on the increased interest from younger generations. an online marketplace and directory for in-person estate sales, has taken steps to attract Gen Z and millennial consumers on social media, company general manager, Marika Clemow, said. 'We can appeal more to them in that, not only are you buying something at a fairly decent price that's durable and long lasting ‒ but, you're not putting more plastics into the earth,' Clemow said. 'This generation is a little more open to items at estate sales not feeling like old, worn stuff, but being old reusable stuff.' Rising inflation and tariff concerns also may have a hand in Gen Z's new attraction to estate sales. In the past six months, Clemow said she's seen an uptick in people searching the digital marketplace for durable goods, like furniture, tools, school supplies and baby ware. Meanwhile, searches for luxury goods, like Rolex watches, have dipped. Diane Rotondo, who runs a Blue Moon Estate Sales franchise in Fairfax County, Virginia, said she's seen a similar demand for furniture. A couple of years ago, Rotondo said she couldn't get people to buy antique four-poster bedframes and now, young consumers are snatching them up early. "The cost of goods are going up and up and up and it makes it even more impossible to get the things you like," Rotondo said. "When you can go to find something that you really like and pay so much less than what you would in a store, it's just a pleasant experience." When asked about what she believes is drawing more people to estate sales, Rotondo said: 'the adventure.' 'It gives somebody the opportunity to treasure hunt in the modern day,' she said. 'It's like a little museum, but you get to purchase it and give it a new journey instead of it ending up in a landfill.'
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
English heating firm targets Scottish market growth through digital marketing partnership
Energy efficiency specialist seeks to capitalize on Scotland's £33 billion clean heat transition opportunity Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An English heating systems provider has partnered with a digital marketing agency to enhance its online presence, as companies across the energy efficiency sector seek to capitalize on Scotland's accelerating transition toward renewable heating solutions. FlexiHeat UK recently announced its collaboration with web design and SEO company Digitaleer to strengthen its digital footprint and better showcase its range of high-efficiency heating products to potential Scottish customers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The partnership comes as Scotland requires an estimated £33 billion investment by 2045 to transition away from carbon-intensive heating, with the Scottish Government targeting significant reductions in heating-related emissions that currently account for 51% of the country's energy demand. A technician installs modern heating technology in Scotland, representing the £33 billion clean heat transition opportunity that English firms like FlexiHeat UK are targeting through digital marketing partnerships as Scotland accelerates its move toward renewable heating solutions. Scotland's Clean Heat Opportunity Scotland's renewable heating market presents substantial opportunities for energy efficiency providers, with 2.14GW of renewable heat capacity operational by 2020 and growing demand for alternatives to traditional fossil fuel heating systems. "Scotland represents one of the most significant growth markets for energy efficiency solutions in the UK," explains Dr. James Ferguson, energy transition researcher at University of Strathclyde. "With our ambitious net-zero targets and supportive government programs, there's enormous potential for companies offering alternatives to traditional heating systems." Scottish Enterprise has identified clean heat as a key sector opportunity, with programs like Home Energy Scotland offering grants up to £7,500 for energy efficiency improvements, while the Warmer Homes Scotland programme provides support worth up to £10,000 for eligible households. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad FlexiHeat's range includes waste oil heaters, electric heating systems, and condensing oil boilers technologies that align with Scotland's focus on energy efficiency and reduced operational costs for both residential and commercial applications. Digital Marketing Strategy The partnership with Digitaleer and FlexiHeat UK reflects broader trends in the energy sector, where specialist companies are increasingly investing in digital marketing to reach Scottish customers seeking sustainable heating solutions. "Energy companies are recognizing that Scottish businesses and homeowners increasingly research heating solutions online before making purchasing decisions," notes Sarah MacPherson from Glasgow-based energy consultancy Green Heat Scotland. "Effective digital presence has become essential for reaching this market successfully." Scottish digital marketing agencies have seen growing demand from energy sector clients, with companies like Heat Pumps Scotland working with specialist digital agencies to compete in the expanding renewable heating market. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The collaboration aims to highlight FlexiHeat's product applications, which include systems designed for warehouses, outdoor events, and domestic use markets that have shown growth in Scotland's diverse economic landscape from Highland estates to Central Belt industrial facilities. Market Development Opportunities The timing aligns with accelerating investment in Scotland's energy transition, where the renewable heating sector is experiencing substantial growth supported by government initiatives and grants. Home Energy Scotland reports increased uptake of heat pumps and other renewable technologies, while Scottish businesses are increasingly seeking heating solutions that reduce both costs and carbon emissions under pressure from climate targets and rising energy prices. For commercial applications, Scottish companies from distilleries in Speyside to manufacturing facilities in the Central Belt are evaluating heating system upgrades that can deliver both immediate cost savings and longer-term compliance with environmental regulations. Regional Focus Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Organizations like Scottish Renewables and the Renewable Technology Collective actively promote clean heat technologies, while Scottish Enterprise supports businesses seeking to capitalize on the energy transition through its Clean Heat program. The digital marketing partnership reflects the competitive nature of Scotland's heating sector, where companies must effectively communicate technical benefits and efficiency credentials to potential customers ranging from Highland hotels to Edinburgh office developments. FlexiHeat's approach of combining proven heating technologies with enhanced digital marketing mirrors strategies adopted by successful Scottish energy companies seeking to expand their market reach. With Scotland's continued focus on renewable heating and the £33 billion investment requirement for the clean heat transition, digital marketing partnerships like this demonstrate how specialist providers are adapting their approaches to reach Scottish customers seeking sustainable heating solutions.
South China Morning Post
18-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong flavour in Ascot Gold Cup but Boniface Ho's Wonder Legend will have work cut out against big guns
The Royal meeting is in full swing at Ascot. Photo: Reuters There will be a Hong Kong flavour to Thursday's Group One Ascot Gold Cup (3,991m) at Royal Ascot but local owner Boniface Ho Ka-kui will no doubt be realistic about the chances of Wonder Legend in a race packed with crack stayers. Trained by James Ferguson with Daniel Muscutt to take the ride, Wonder Legend brings winning form into the race but finds himself on the fifth line of betting in overseas fixed-odds markets at around $34. Leading the way is the Aidan O'Brien-trained Illinois at $2.75, while Godolphin's Trawlerman, runner-up to the great Kyprios in this race a year ago, sits at $3.5. Victorious in the Group Two Queen's Vase (2,800m) at Royal Ascot a year ago, Illinois enters the race off a first-up triumph in the Group Three Ormonde Stakes (2,700m) at Chester last month. The 216th running of The Gold Cup will see a new champion stayer crowned and eight have been declared for Thursday's Royal Ascot highlight including ILLINOIS, TRAWLERMAN, SWEET WILLIAM, and CANDELARI: 🏇Coltrane 🏇Dubai Future 🏇Sweet William 🏇Trawlerman 🏇Wonder Legend 🏇Yashin… — Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 17, 2025 'You never know for sure whether they will stay the Gold Cup trip until you try it,' said O'Brien of Illinois, who has never raced beyond 3,000m but did win comfortably when tackling that trip in last October's Group Two Prix Chaudenay. 'Once you go beyond two miles you're entering unknown territory. But we always thought he would stay and we've been delighted with him at home over the last few weeks.' The battle between O'Brien's Kyprios and Trawlerman up the Ascot straight in this historic Group One had the crowd in awe of the courage of both horses last year, with Trawlerman failing by just a length after leading throughout. The John and Thady Gosden-trained Trawlerman arrives here off a different preparation than last year after winning last month's Group Three Henry II Stakes (3,245m) at Sandown following his fifth in the Group Two Dubai Gold Cup (3,200m) at Meydan in April. HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. 'Last year we gave him a full break from Dubai [when he was third in the Dubai Gold Cup] but this time we thought a prep [run] would suit him well,' said Thady Gosden. With another unforgettable #RoyalAscot on the horizon, rewind to last year's electrifying #GoldCup, when #Kyprios stormed back in style to reclaim his crown 👑 — Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 12, 2025 At $8, Trawlerman's stablemate Sweet William – who was third last year – is no forlorn hope either, especially as the record of Rob Havlin's mount indicates that he is not in the habit of letting his supporters down, though he does tend to prefer softer ground. Then there is Mickael Barzalona's mount Candelari, who sits on the third line of betting at $4.50. He cannot boast the hardbitten profile of the usual Gold Cup winner, having only started his career last December, and is also looking to become the first French-trained winner since Westerner in 2005. But he does come from the hugely in-form Chantilly stable of Francis-Henri Graffard and he was mighty impressive when accelerating clear of eight rivals to win last month's Group One Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (3,100m) on slow ground at Longchamp. 'He really wants the good, fast ground we will get at Ascot,' said Graffard. But like Illinois, Candelari – who runs in the famous green and red silks of the late Aga Khan – now needs to prove himself at this famously stamina-sapping trip.
Scotsman
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Heating firm seeks Scottish market growth through digital marketing partnership
Energy efficiency specialist targets Scotland's expanding renewable heating sector amid growing demand for clean technology solutions. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A heating systems provider has partnered with a digital marketing agency to enhance its online presence, as companies across the energy efficiency sector seek to capitalize on Scotland's transition toward renewable heating solutions. FlexiHeat UK recently announced its collaboration with web design and SEO company Digitaleer to strengthen its digital footprint and better showcase its range of high-efficiency heating products to potential Scottish customers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The partnership comes as Scotland accelerates its clean heat transition, with the Scottish Government targeting significant reductions in heating-related carbon emissions and Scottish Enterprise identifying substantial market opportunities in the energy efficiency sector. Modern renewable heating technology representing Scotland's expanding clean energy sector, as companies like FlexiHeat UK partner with digital marketing agencies to capitalize on the country's transition toward energy-efficient heating solutions and net-zero emissions targets. Scottish Clean Heat Market Scotland's renewable heating market has shown steady growth, with heat pumps, biomass systems, and other clean technologies increasingly adopted across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The Scottish Government's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions has created substantial opportunities for heating system providers. "Scotland represents a significant growth market for energy efficiency solutions," explains Dr. James Ferguson, energy transition researcher at University of Strathclyde. "With over 55% of Scotland's total energy demand being for heating, there's enormous potential for companies offering high-efficiency alternatives to traditional systems." Scottish Enterprise has identified over £200 million worth of potential energy savings for Scottish businesses, with an average energy saving of 24% per business achievable through improved heating systems and efficiency measures. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The business firm FlexiHeat UK offers waste oil heaters, electric heating systems, and condensing oil boilers technologies that align with Scotland's focus on energy efficiency and reduced operational costs for businesses. Digital Marketing for Energy Sector The partnership with Digitaleer reflects broader trends in the energy sector, where specialist companies are increasingly investing in digital marketing to reach Scottish customers seeking sustainable heating solutions. "Energy companies are recognizing that Scottish businesses and homeowners increasingly research heating solutions online before making purchasing decisions," notes Sarah MacPherson from Edinburgh-based energy consultancy Green Heat Scotland. "Strong digital presence has become essential for reaching this market effectively." The collaboration aims to highlight FlexiHeat's product range, which includes systems designed for warehouses, outdoor events, and domestic applications markets that have shown growth in Scotland's diverse economic landscape. Scotland's Energy Transition Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The timing aligns with accelerating investment in Scotland's energy transition, where the renewable heating sector is experiencing substantial growth. Home Energy Scotland reports increased uptake of heat pumps and other renewable technologies, while Business Energy Scotland provides support for commercial heating upgrades. Scottish companies have installed over 1,000 heat pumps according to industry data, while the Green Homes Network features more than 400 homes across Scotland showcasing renewable heating technologies. For commercial applications, Scottish businesses are increasingly seeking heating solutions that reduce both costs and carbon emissions, creating opportunities for specialized providers offering efficient alternatives to traditional systems. Market Development The digital marketing partnership reflects the competitive nature of Scotland's heating sector, where companies must effectively communicate technical benefits and efficiency credentials to potential customers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Organizations like Scottish Renewables and the Renewable Technology Collective actively promote clean heat technologies, while Scottish Enterprise supports businesses seeking to capitalize on the energy transition through its Clean Heat program. FlexiHeat's approach of combining proven heating technologies with enhanced digital marketing mirrors strategies adopted by successful Scottish energy companies seeking to expand their market reach. The partnership also highlights how companies are recognizing the market potential created by Scotland's ambitious climate targets and supportive policy environment for clean energy technologies.
