Amazing what Slovenians are looking for on Bolha: They buy it even more than the iPhone

A new wave of consumer activity has emerged on Bolha, Slovenia’s leading online marketplace, with data revealing surprising trends in product demand. According to recent reports, there has been a sharp increase in listings for animals, silver items, heating systems, and skiing equipment. Notably, the number of advertisements for poultry has surpassed even those for iPhones, marking a shift in what Slovenians prioritize when shopping online. The surge in animal-related listings reflects a growing interest in pets and livestock. In the first half of the year, the number of ads for cattle, horses, small animals, and poultry rose significantly. Cattle listings increased by over 159 percent, while horse advertisements saw a 110 percent rise. Small animals and poultry followed closely behind, with increases of 105 and 85 percent respectively. Among the most viewed ads were young cockapoo puppies, which attracted more than 79,000 views, and chicken coops from the Ljutomer and Vraniska regions, each drawing over 72,000 views. Other popular categories included dogs and compost raincoats. Silver items have also seen a dramatic uptick, driven by record prices on global markets. The number of ads for silver coins nearly doubled, while the supply of investment silver grew almost threefold. This trend was accompanied by a notable increase in numismatics, with both collectors and larger coin collections entering the market. At the same time, Slovenian consumers are rapidly renovating their homes, evidenced by a sixfold increase in heating system advertisements compared to last year. Over 1,000 more ads appeared for dryers, reflecting a broader pattern of home improvement and appliance replacement. The trend of giving rather than discarding has gained momentum, with the “Give” category seeing nearly double the number of ads. Users are increasingly offering furniture and household items for free, highlighting a growing awareness of reuse and responsible consumption. Marketing director Klemen Petelin noted this as one of the most interesting developments in recent years, emphasizing how users are reconsidering waste management practices. In addition, the book category continues to dominate, though with a noticeable shift toward manga, comics, and collectibles. Advertisements for books, magazines, and comics increased by 57 percent, with comic strips and manga experiencing particularly rapid growth, by 156 and 271 percent respectively. Collectible items such as military memorabilia and collector games also saw significant interest, rising by 56 and 55 percent respectively. Meanwhile, electronics buyers are increasingly selling used equipment alongside new purchases, contributing to a downward trend in prices. Used ski gear, for instance, has seen a marked price drop, with average costs falling from around 110 euros to approximately 70 euros. This decline follows a 140 percent increase in ski equipment advertisements, especially in January, just before the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. As these trends continue to evolve, they reflect changing priorities among Slovenian consumers, who are turning to traditional interests like animals and books while embracing sustainability and practicality in their purchasing habits. The marketplace appears poised for further shifts, influenced by economic factors and evolving social values.