Kijiji sales a ‘reflection’ of what the world is going through during pandemic

A pair of running shoes that barely grazed the pavement. Freezer equipment from a business that closed its doors. A set of luggage for a trip to Hawaii that never happened.

On Kijiji, people across southern Ontario are offloading everything from wedding gifts destined for a now-cancelled ceremony to gaming computer equipment that could fetch a few thousand dollars.

But what is the tie that binds them? COVID-19, of course.

The same goes for Nicole Thorneycroft's brand-new wedding dress.

The white, floor-length gown from David's Bridal was to be worn for a backyard ceremony in Cambridge last August. Ordered pre-pandemic, it arrived shortly after the first lockdown began.

Thorneycroft said she and her partner at the time considered their options - including both the level of risk and restrictions - and decided on a very small" ceremony in the same location.

It was close family only, so Thorneycroft wore a more casual dress, rendering her original gown useless. About a month ago, she decided to list the latter on Kijiji.

It's a lovely dress, and obviously I would like to keep it, but I don't have a reason to," said Thorneycroft, who is originally from Ancaster but now lives in Cambridge.

Despite it having some sentimental value - Thorneycroft's mother bought the dress - she is hopeful someone else will be able to enjoy it.

I just want to see it put to good use," she said. It would be nice, especially now, when everything kind of sucks."

Kent Sikstrom, a community relations manager for Kijiji Canada, said the company saw a number" of changes in consumer behaviour within the first couple of weeks of the pandemic.

Searches and ads for desks and office chairs increased by 102 per cent, while searches and ads for treadmills, chin-up bars and dumbbells increased by 221 per cent.

By winter, people were hunting for cross-country skis, skates and snowshoes. And there was evidence some were downsizing or blending" households, while others were offering rooms to rent as money was tight."

The environment of Kijiji really is a reflection of what all of us are going through," said Sikstrom. These consumer patterns and behaviours are indicative of what we need to do to survive."

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com