A historic 400-kilogram anchor, believed to be over a century old, now stands proudly in front of Tyler Stapleton’s 142-year-old home in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The two-meter-high relic,salvaged from the ocean floor off cape St. Mary’s in the 1980s by a fisherman, found its way to Stapleton through a serendipitous Facebook Marketplace purchase for a mere $400.
Stapleton, a 31-year-old navigation officer, sees the social media platform as a treasure trove. “You can find real treasures there,” he enthuses, highlighting the unique finds available on the platform.
Stapleton’s story is just one example of how Facebook Marketplace is captivating a new generation of Canadian bargain hunters. Millennials and Gen Z, who may have previously disengaged from the platform, are finding themselves drawn back in by the allure of secondhand deals and unique finds.
Allie MacIsaac, a 29-year-old civil servant from Ottawa, describes her experience with Facebook Marketplace as a “hobby.” “I joke that Facebook Marketplace is a hobby for me,” she says,adding that the platform helps her combat the high cost of living by finding affordable secondhand items.
MacIsaac has used the platform to acquire a variety of items, from a bicycle and clothes to furniture and even a large pink crate for her puppy, all at bargain prices. “I love scrolling through the pages and seeing what’s going on,” she explains, noting that she often uses the platform for gift ideas.
Kevin Ouellette, a 27-year-old teacher from Cole Harbour, Nova scotia, and his partner rely on Facebook Marketplace to live more affordably. “It’s become something quite fun, a bit exciting,” he says, describing the thrill of the hunt for unique and affordable items. “We really like to find a good deal,we’re very frugal… so I spend a lot of time there,” he adds.
ouellette has purchased furniture, a snow blower, a lawn mower, and even guitars through the platform. He has also used it to sell items, including a freezer and several lawn mowers he repaired.
The Two Sides of the Coin
While Facebook Marketplace offers a plethora of benefits, selling can present its own set of challenges. Ouellette notes the constant barrage of “is this available?” messages and the logistical hurdles of arranging pickups or deliveries.
Devon Cole,a 28-year-old midwifery student from Toronto,echoes these sentiments. When she and her roommate listed furniture for sale, they were inundated with over 100 messages, many from people who expressed interest but never followed through. “There were so many people sending messages saying they wanted something, but never followed through,” she recalls. “But luckily, there were so many people sending messages with interest that we were able to sell everything,” she adds, noting they earned $500 from the sales.
Cole has also found success selling designer clothing on the platform, but she primarily uses it as a buyer.She was able to purchase two stethoscopes she needed for her midwifery studies for $100 less than the retail price. “I really didn’t expect to be able to find them, and it worked out really well,” she says.
Beyond buying and selling, Cole has also utilized Facebook’s “buy nothing” groups, donating furniture and finding a “perfect” entryway console donated by a neighbor. “It’s exactly what I was looking for, and three hours after posting on Facebook, it was my place,” she says, highlighting the community aspect of these groups, especially during times of financial hardship.
Facebook, once considered a relic of the past by younger generations, is experiencing a surprising resurgence in popularity. Millennials, who flocked to platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok in droves, are now returning to the social media giant in search of connection, opportunity, and even bargains.
“For people my age and maybe people in their early to mid-20s, there was sort of a feeling of, ‘Oh, facebook is for our parents,'” says one millennial, reflecting on the platform’s previous image. “But now people are using it to find deals, to build relationships and look for jobs… It’s bringing all the millennials back there.”
This shift in perception is driven by several factors. Facebook’s established user base, robust marketplace features, and focus on professional networking have proven appealing to a generation seeking practical benefits alongside social interaction.
## From ocean Floor to Front Yard: How Facebook Marketplace is Hooking a New Generation of Canadian Bargain Hunters
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
*The revelation of a 400-kilogram anchor by a Canadian navigation officer through Facebook Marketplace highlights a growing trend of Millennials and Gen Z turning to the platform for unique finds and affordable deals.*
Tyler Stapleton, a 31-year-old from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stumbled upon a treasure while scrolling through Facebook Marketplace: a massive, two-meter-tall anchor believed to be over a century old.
“You can find real treasures there,” Stapleton exclaims, describing the serendipitous $400 purchase that now proudly stands in front of his 142-year-old home.
this isn’t an isolated incident. Across the country, young Canadians are rediscovering Facebook Marketplace, a platform frequently enough associated with older demographics, finding a haven for secondhand bargains and unique finds.
**World Today News** spoke with several millennials and Gen Zers who are embracing the platform as both a budget-friendly tool and a hobby.
**Allie MacIsaac**, a 29-year-old civil servant from Ottawa, describes Facebook Marketplace as her “hobby.”
“It helps me combat the high cost of living by finding affordable secondhand items,” she says. macisaac has furnished her home, acquired clothes, purchased a bicycle, and even found the perfect crate for her puppy, all through the platform.
“I love scrolling through the pages and seeing what’s going on,” MacIsaac adds, noting that she even uses the platform for gift ideas.
**Kevin Ouellette**, a 27-year-old teacher from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, and his partner rely on Facebook Marketplace to live more affordably.“It’s become something quite fun, a bit exciting,” Ouellette shares. He relishes the thrill of the hunt, scouring the platform for unique and affordable items.
“We like to find a good deal. We’re very frugal, so I spend a lot of time there,” he adds, proudly listing his finds: furniture, a snow blower, a lawn mower, and even guitars!
**Dr. Emily Carter**, a sociologist specializing in generational trends, explains the appeal of Facebook Marketplace for younger generations.
“For millennials and Gen Z, who are facing economic pressures and climate concerns, facebook Marketplace offers a lasting option to traditional consumerism.It allows them to access affordable goods, reduce waste, and find unique items that reflect their individuality.”
**Dr. Carter** further notes, “The social aspect of Facebook Marketplace, with its focus on local communities and direct interaction with sellers, also resonates with younger generations who crave authenticity and connection`.
The story of Tyler Stapleton and his impressive anchor is a testament to the unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered on Facebook Marketplace. For a generation facing economic uncertainty, this platform offers not just affordability but a sense of community and the excitement of the hunt for the unexpected.
