This article was translated using the help of AI
What if no one bought anything new on 8 November 2025? That’s the idea behind Secondhand Day: the focus is on giving products a second life – by selling, passing on or repairing them. Now in its sixth year, the event demonstrates across Switzerland that secondhand is not just a trend but a key element of the circular economy. Jessica List, Chief Corporate Officer of SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, explains how SMG’s online marketplaces Ricardo, tutti.ch and anibis.ch contribute to this movement – and why responsibility and impact go hand in hand.
Jessica, why is Secondhand Day more than just a campaign day?
Secondhand Day shows what can happen when many players take responsibility together. It creates visibility, reach, and sparks a shift in awareness. For SMG, the day is an opportunity to actively shape this change. With Ricardo, tutti.ch and anibis.ch, we lower barriers and make sustainable behaviour easy, safe, and part of everyday life. At the same time, we demonstrate that secondhand is modern, inspiring – and anything but old-fashioned.
To achieve the greatest possible impact, both elements are needed: digital platforms that offer reach and simple processes, and local initiatives that foster connections. This combination succeeds on Secondhand Day thanks to collaboration with initiators such as myclimate, Circular Economy Switzerland, the City of Zurich and TWINT. Especially important, however, are the roughly 700 so-called “Circular Heroes” – from charity shops and vintage stores to repair cafés – who bring secondhand to life all across Switzerland on the day.
What impact does secondhand have – ecologically, socially, and economically?
Secondhand has a measurable impact: In SMG’s 2024 Avoided Emissions Report, we showed that trading secondhand products on our marketplaces Ricardo, tutti.ch and anibis.ch saved over 71,000 tonnes of CO₂e compared to buying new items last year. That’s equivalent to more than 28,000 return flights between Zurich and New York or the electricity supply for the entire city of Zurich for around 95 days. These figures make clear the climate impact secondhand already has today – and the great potential it still holds. The more people buy and sell secondhand, the greater this positive effect becomes.
At the same time, there are social and economic benefits: people save money, products stay in circulation longer, and sustainable consumption becomes increasingly embedded in society.
How do SMG’s online marketplaces promote secondhand in everyday life?
Our goal is for people to think of secondhand first before buying new – not as an alternative, but as the first choice. For that to work in everyday life, barriers must be as low as possible – above all through a wide range of products and user-friendly, secure platforms.
Ricardo AI, for example, makes it easier to find suitable items and create listings thanks to AI-supported photo analysis and text suggestions, while Ricardo MoneyGuard ensures fully protected online transactions. In addition, we actively inform users about the positive impact of secondhand on the climate and society, helping to raise awareness in daily life. This way, “Secondhand first” becomes second nature – and an important lever for sustainable consumption.
“Act responsibly” is a core value at SMG. How does it shape the company’s actions?
“Act responsibly” is one of our corporate values – and for me personally, a guiding principle. Responsibility means embedding sustainable thinking in everything we do: in our products, processes, and decisions. It also includes transparency – for instance through our 2024 Sustainability Report or the Avoided Emissions Report 2024. This allows us to see what we have achieved so far and, more importantly, where we still need to improve.
At SMG, responsibility is also reflected in how we structurally embed sustainability. Our sustainability strategy is built on four pillars: “Lead with integrity”, “Secure our digital future”, “Empower our employees”, and “Drive positive impact”. For us, responsibility is not a project or a reporting requirement, but a mindset that shapes how we act as a company and as SMG employees.
Finally, why is it worth taking part in Secondhand Day?
Because every small action counts. Whether someone sells, buys, repairs something, or simply tells others about Secondhand Day – all of it makes a difference. Together we show that sustainable consumption is enjoyable, connects people, and truly makes a change.
Secondhand Day is a day full of inspiration and a reminder to act more consciously all year round. Take a look in your cellar or wardrobe: what might deserve a second life? It’s wonderful to give a well-kept item you no longer need to someone else – or to find a unique treasure you won’t see everywhere. When you buy secondhand, you discover one-of-a-kind pieces with a story, rather than mass-produced goods – and that’s what makes it so special.
Secondhand Day takes place on 8 November 2025. More information and a full list of participating partners can be found at www.secondhandday.ch.
About Jessica List
Jessica List has been Chief Corporate Officer at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group and a member of the Executive Leadership Team since March 2022. In her role, she is responsible for Corporate Sustainability, Corporate Communication & Public Affairs, Legal, Compliance & Data Protection, Human Resources, and Investor Relations.
Previously, she was Head of Group M&A and Strategic Projects at Ringier AG, a member of the extended Group Executive Board, and CFO Africa & Asia. Before that, she worked in M&A and Equity Capital Markets advisory at Leonardo & Co. and Sal. Oppenheim jr. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from the University of Basel and a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of St. Gallen.