Best Buy: Most Canadian consumers purchase used tech
Canadian shoppers are increasingly open to refurbished, open box or traded-in technology devices.
Almost two-in-three (63%) adult Canadian consumers surveyed by Best Buy Canada have purchased recirculated technology (open box, refurbished or trade-in) in the past year. The survey shows that recirculated technology purchases are more popular among Gen Z (71%) and millennial and Gen X (65%) respondents and less common among baby boomer respondents (55%).
The Best Buy Canada “2026 Back-to-School Tech Shopping Report” also shows durability is a growing consideration in electronics products or respondents who are Gen Z (25.1%) and parents (23%).
Across provinces, spending also varies.
- Quebec and Ontario are the most price-conscious provinces (33% and 31%, respectively)
- Following price, Ontario residents also value reviews and recommendations, while brand reputation is the second most important factor for Quebec
- In British Columbia, reviews and recommendations matter most when buying new technology (29%).
Saving money remains a top motivator across all age demographics, including 81% of Gen Z and millennials respondents, but reducing environmental impact is the second-most important factor for Gen Z (44%), millennials (40%), and Gen X (30%), compared to only 24% of boomers.
The survey also examined consumer views on refurbished and open box products. Refurbished products are used electronics that have been inspected, tested, repaired, and restored through a certified process. According to Best Buy Canada, refurbished products save customers about 40% off the original retail price and come with a minimum three-month guarantee.
Among Gen Z and millennial respondents who have not purchased refurbished products in the past year, 35% and 37%, respectively, say they would consider doing so.
The most popular refurbished product categories are:
- Wireless
- Laptops
- Computers
- Tablets
- Video game consoles
[READ MORE: Best Buy earns zero-waste supply chain certifications]
Open box findings
Open box products are items that have been unboxed, returned or previously used for in-store displays. The survey shows they have the broadest appeal among younger respondents, with Gen Z (47%) and millennials (45%) showing the highest rates of consideration, though interest sits above 30% across all generations. On average, open box products save around 28% off the original sales price, according to Best Buy Canada.
The most popular open box product categories are:
- Laptops
- Wireless
- TVs
- Tablets
- Wearables
Back-to-school trends
About 53% of surveyed parents with children ages four to five have purchased open box technology, dipping as children get older and resurging to 48% among parents of children ages 13 to 17. When looking to replace existing devices, 84% of surveyed parents have traded in technology or considered trading in.
When shopping for electronics, parents with teenagers ages 13-17 are the most price-driven technology buyers (39%), significantly higher compared to parents with kids ages six to nine (25%) and respondents with no kids at home (24%).
“The category looks vastly different now than a few years ago, and with the scale of new product releases from top brands over the last few years, there’s no shortage of quality in the secondary market as Canadians have opted to upgrade to newer models,” said Mark Leahy, senior director, service programs, service centers & reverse logistics, Best Buy Canada. “Canadians have more options for non-new technology making it more accessible than ever before. For those looking for cost savings, buying a refurbished, open box or traded in device is a way to bring down initial costs while still getting a product that is in great condition.”
A wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co. Inc., Best Buy Canada Ltd. operates the Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, Best Buy Express and Geek Squad brands, with more than 300 Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Best Buy Express stores across Canada.
