A recent study has shown that when purchasing back-to-school tech, Canadians are leaning towards refurbished or open-box options.
The study, conducted by Best Buy Canada from July 17 to 21, 2026, found that 63 per cent of Canadians have purchased refurbished, open-box or traded-in devices within the past year — something the retailer has promoted in the past.
Interestingly, openness to it varies by generation. The study found that 71 per cent of Gen Z have purchased recirculated technology within the past year, with millennials and Gen X slightly behind at 65 per cent, and boomers behind at 55 per cent.
The ‘why’ factor
In terms of why, saving money remains a top motivator across all demographics, including 81 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials. However, reducing environmental impact was listed as the second most important factor for Gen Z (44 per cent), Millennials (40 per cent), and Gen X (30 per cent). Boomers sit at the bottom, with only 24 per cent.
Interestingly, durability is also a growing factor for the younger generation. 25.1 per cent of Gen Z, and 23 per cent of parents said that they are looking to ensure that the products they buy will last.
Back to school
As the back-to-school season approaches, Canadian parents are also turning to refurbished technology. The press release notes that about 53 per cent of parents with children ages four to five have purchased open-box technology, with the amount decreasing with age, and rising to 48 per cent for parents with children ages 13 to 17. These parents also consider cost the most, with 39 per cent saying price is the biggest consideration, which is significantly higher than among parents with kids ages six to nine (25 per cent) and those with no kids at home (24 per cent).
Additionally, 84 per cent of parents looking to replace devices have traded in their devices or at least considered it.
What people are actually buying
Best Buy also shared what recirculated electronics people are actually buying.
In terms of refurbished tech, the top five are:
- Wireless
- Laptops
- Computers
- Tablets
- Video Game Consoles
In terms of open box, the top five are:
- Laptops
- Wireless
- TVs
- Tablets
- Wearables
