As witnessed by the turbulent, yet unstoppable spread of capitalism around the world, many in the newly capitalist areas are anxious to gain access to goods enjoyed by their privileged ‘first world’ cousins. This material desire combined with modest purchasing power has spawned GLOBAL GARAGE SALES: rich countries selling off excess, second-hand goods to newly capitalist neighbours.

Poland is a good example: in 1991, immediately after shedding its communist past, Poles bought more than 300,000 used cars in nearby Western European countries (source: Warsaw Voice). Most of the cars were more than 10 years old, often damaged and recycled from accidents. Another popular practice was importing Western European vehicles in parts.

How long will such GLOBAL GARAGE SALES last? Well, 10 years later, in 2001, Poland came seventh in Europe in new car sales, ahead of more affluent countries such as Switzerland, Sweden and Belgium. And with Poland likely to join the EU in 2004, Poles may soon be holding their own garage sales for nearby Ukrainians, Bulgarians and Romanians looking for affordable Western goods.

Opportunities exist everywhere: China, Mexico, and second phase EU-hopefuls are more than likely to be happy garage sale shoppers for cars, electronics, furniture, CDs, toys... Until they start hosting their own sales in 5 to 10 years time. >> Email this trend to a friend.

For a related trend description, see RESORT REBIRTH.