With the economic drive to sell more products, items that are cheaper to produce and sell are often prioritised over higher quality items that last a long time. These patterns of unsustainable consumption lead to many consumer goods being thrown away after only a short time, while still being perfectly usable.

Second-hand markets can present a tangible solution to support the reuse of consumer goods. Second-hand markets can provide a physical location to collect and offer consumer goods that are repaired, repurposed, reused. Consumer goods can range from furniture, to electronics, to clothing, and other consumer goods. Second-hand markets can even go as far as becoming a fully circular shopping centre, offering access to all different types of consumer goods. What is more, second-hand markets and supporting repair activities can be connected throughout a city to form a network to enable access to such goods and services throughout the entirety of a city.

Local governments can support the development of circular centres by providing both financial and in-kind support, and zoning particular areas for experimentation, repair and resale. They can also play a key role in connecting existing activities throughout the city, for example using digital platforms. Furthermore, local governments can play a key role in promoting reuse and repair activities throughout the city—reducing marketing costs for the businesses themselves and raising awareness for residents. Local governments may also stimulate skills development and make training available to repair and reuse organisations.