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On June 19, 2025, the introduction of a new app named Poppins has begun to change how people in France use household items. Created by Lucie Basch, the visionary behind the successful anti-food waste app Too Good To Go, Poppins addresses the issue of owning things that are not regularly used. The app’s slogan is “own less, have more,” promoting the concept of sharing rather than owning. Basch notes that the average French person has approximately 2.5 tonnes of items at home, of which a third go unused, leading to wasted space and contributing to both environmental and economic problems.

Poppins, inspired by the magical nanny from the films, was launched in April and quickly attracted 40,000 users. It enables people to locate items nearby for short-term use, either free or for a rental fee, with Poppins earning a commission. The platform also integrates listings from rental shops and libraries to encourage sharing over buying.

Since its launch, a raclette machine has been one of the most popular items, typically used only a few times a year. With summer on the horizon, demand has grown for camping gear, petanque sets, cots, and equipment for outdoor parties. Remarkably, 65% of items on Poppins are listed as free loans, helping to foster a community spirit and the ethos of sharing.

Basch believes that sharing household items offers ecological, economic, and social benefits. Renting instead of buying saves money and reduces the need for manufacturing new products, which is beneficial for the environment. Moreover, sharing promotes social connections and supports a move towards a circular economy. Even large corporations are beginning to recognize the potential of renting household items, hinting at a shift in business models.

Poppins aims to expand its sharing economy model beyond France, with plans to launch in Belgium next year and in the UK in late 2026 or 2027.