Editorial: Majorca goes second hand

A decade ago and the Majorcans wouldn´t go anywhere near anything which was second hand. Infact, non-new items were frowned upon but the recession and record unemployment has meant that Majorcans have been forced into a major re-think. Infact, I would say that the second-industry is booming in Majorca at the moment. Take the enormous Marratxi market on a Sunday, it is full of second hand items and trade is brisk. Second hand stores have started to open in Palma at an amazing rate and internet sites have also grown in popularity. In pre-recession years old items were simple discarded now they are sold in stores or on facebook. I visited one large second hand shop in the centre of Palma yesterday and was amazed to find that it was packed. People were buying and selling at a great rate. It was a real eye-opener. This was the new Majorca. Interestingly enough the site of this second hand store in Palma had once been a bank. It closed as part of the massive bank closure plan. It is certainly a sign of the times. In some ways it is a good thing. I love nothing better than a car-boot sale or shopping around for bargains at second hand stores. Also, it will mean that the recession has left a lasting legacy for Spain. Second hand items are of value and should be treasured. Once Spain exits recession I wonder if the demand for second hand items will continue. I think so. Majorcans have learnt many lessons from this recession and second hand is one of them.