New research from disability equality charity Scope finds the cost of living crisis is prompting more people to shop in charity shops, with many coming through the doors for the first time.
Rising inflation and soaring energy prices mean many people have less money in their pocket for clothes and homewares and as a result are discovering the value, variety and sense of community to be found at Scope charity shops.
Scope’s survey asked 2,000 people about their charity shopping habits and found that 52 per cent say that the current cost of living pressures has prompted them to shop in charity shops
15 per cent of people agreed that since the cost of living crisis began they have been shopping more in charity shops and 11 per cent are shopping in charity shops for the first time
Scope’s sales of pre-loved goods are up six per cent on last year. Some shops are seeing an even bigger surge with increases up to 60 per cent on last year.
The number one reason people are turning to charity shops is value (53 per cent) [1] but shoppers are also discovering other benefits including:
One in three (33 per cent) say their local charity shop makes me feel an important part of the community,28 per cent say they can find something different at charity shops and
26 per cent visit charity shops for sustainability reasons
Interestingly the research also shows price has overtaken altruism when asked “what are the most important factors for shopping at charity shops?”:
In 2021, 60 per cent said “Charity shops support good causes and it’s my way of contributing”
In 2023, supporting a good cause slipped into second place at 49 per cent. Price became the key pulling factor, at 55 per cent.
Scope estimates the average bag of donations to their charity shops is worth £20. Each call to Scope’s free Helpline costs £8, so one bag can fund two calls for disabled people to receive expert advice and vital emotional support. Since the cost of living crisis began, calls to this service are higher than ever and Scope has seen an increase of 670 per cent in referrals to the energy support service.
Angela Dickinson, Shop Manager, Scope charity shop, Bury, says:
“I’ve noticed so many more young customers come into our shop, over last year. Many are students from our local college, some are definitely TikTokers and YouTubers and they love finding a brilliant bargain. They also love that they’re doing their part to help the environment by supporting in our charity shop.
“Another development I’ve seen since the cost of living crisis began, is we’re increasingly becoming a destination point for our older customers on Bury’s market days, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. We’re totally rushed off our feet, which is fantastic for us and for Scope. They come into us first to do a spot of shopping and have a chat with our team before they head off to visit the other charity shops. It feels like we set them up for their regular trips to the town.
“I know some of our customers experience isolation and they say we’re the only people they can have a proper chat with as we’re all so friendly and always have time to talk. Above all, our shop is a safe place for everyone where they can be themselves.”
Debra Turner, Shop Manger, Scope charity shop, Cheetham Hill, says:
“We have regular customers coming in for a chat every week as part of their routine. They’re often living on their own and we are familiar faces to talk to and make them feel welcome.
“Some of our customers have got their children to volunteer with us, knowing their child will be looked after, make friends and learn new skills whilst interacting with and helping our customers. The volunteers love this because it looks very impressive on their applications to colleges, university or, on their CV.
“Our shop is also involved in a number of grass root charities. Pupils from Langdon College, who support young people with disabilities, volunteer in the shop.
“A local supermarket often donates food and treats to our shop which we use to raise funds, as a lucky dip prize, at our local Cheetham and Crumpsall Allotments at their regular fairs. Our team also sets up a mini-Scope for visitors to enjoy a spot of retail therapy and get to know Scope and how we support disabled people.
“We pride ourselves by ensuring there is a special place in our windows for the Manchester Bee and Remembrance Sundays, these are very important issues for our community. Our windows are absolutely stunning and customers are always praising us. Our volunteer, Annette, makes every window prop by hand. She even makes the Manchester Bees for a local supermarket’s annual tree, that celebrates this event.”
Ruth Blazye, Executive Director or Retail and Communities at disability equality charity Scope, says:
“The lockdowns, combined with the current cost of living crisis, have been a monumental disaster for the high street and people’s spending power. Our new research shows charity shops have never been needed more than now, as the nation recognises their increasing importance, while our budgets are being squeezed like never before.
“We know that charity shops are exciting places to visit with pre loved and new, quality bargains and essentials to discover on the rails every day. Our findings also show they’re making customers feel like they’re an important part of their community where you are always made to feel welcome. This is backed up by the information our shops give us.
“Shop managers are saying they’re becoming a lifeline for many of the customers. Sometimes they’re the only people that person speaks to all day or week.
“Charity shops can only remain open with the incredible support of our very kind customers and donors. If you have items at home you no longer love, our shops will ensure they find a good home as each donation raises vital funds for Scope’s services for disabled people.”
