Following “The Definitive List of 21st Century Icons” and collection that looked back at the first quarter of the century, Catawiki and Hypemind now collaborate on a comprehensive survey focusing on current behaviors and the trends expected to define the future of collecting.
Collecting has undergone dramatic changes in the 21st century with new ways to collect and new categories emerging. The rapid pace of cultural evolution — fueled by technology and social media — has also reshaped the collecting landscape. By analyzing five key European markets and exploring the most important factors influencing collecting, the survey reveals fascinating insights into how behaviors are adapting to the digital world.
Each of the 1,000 participants surveyed in each country – France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as 500 in Belgium – were asked a mix of questions aimed to test hypotheses related to demographic shifts, developments in online culture, the values associated with collecting, and emerging approaches to ownership.
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Results show that nearly half of the adults surveyed are currently collecting in some form. With over €1,500 EUR (approx. $1,600 USD) average annual spend on collecting, and 30% of collectors planning to increase spending in the next 3-5 years, collecting is showing no sign of slowing down. Data also indicate that globally, the practice of reselling is expected to continue to rise, while vintage tech is set to boom as the new key trend as cycles of nostalgia keep developing.
The survey detailed insights into the local markets with Germany set to become the highest spenders out of the five countries while being the most fashion-forward collectors. People surveyed in France, on the other hand, have an appreciation for aesthetics and are drawn to artistic value. As well as 74% seeing childhood nostalgia as a key driver for future collecting, French collectors are also shifting towards sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Similarly, Belgian collectors are defined by a deep appreciation for heritage and history, who collect to learn new things, and 81% purchase items to keep them.
Italy — already boasting a deep collecting culture — featured the most engaged collectors cross-markets with 96% partaking in collecting-related activities and 36% aiming to preserve heritage by saving valuable items to leave for future generations. Out of the five markets, however, the Netherlands has the highest average yearly spend with 46% collecting out of enjoyment and maintaining a connection to the creative industries.
The 21st Century Collecting Report is available to view now. The 21st Century Icons Collection, curated by Hypebeast and Catawiki, is also currently live and will be running until October 20.
