Around two thirds of UK adults say that they are more likely to regularly buy goods from charity shops, compared to a year ago — at a time when 57% of households are cutting back on treats and non-essentials.
Beyond books and music, 37% of respondents said they now regularly buy clothes from their local charity shops, with 17% buying second hand furniture and 13% hunting for kitchen items. Children’s toys also proved popular.
The research findings are from a new comprehensive report by elephant communications, which explores how the cost of living crisis has impacted British families — assessing who has been most affected and how. The new study spans consumer outlook and plans for home buying, cars, holidays, food, leisure and charitable support.
As people cut-back on their spending, and many try to avoid taking on further debt, the appeal of charity shops was common across all income groups, suggesting people from all walks of live are making cutbacks since the cost of living crisis started. Charity shops also proved especially popular in the Capital, with Londoners being those most likely to buy clothes, books, shoes and kitchen items from local charity shops.
The research also suggests charity shops are also set to be significant net gainers from people’s support for charities in the months despite. Despite challenges to the household budget, 73% of adults are still keen to find some time and money to support charities, and donating to local charity shops topped the list (30%). More broadly, the research suggests people are looking closer to home and wanting to support causes that resonate with the current economic situation. Causes people most wanted to support included homeless charities, food banks and mental health organisations — will fewer people inclined to support more global issues or causes.
Do contact us for more information on the full insight report which will be available in August 2022. Further updates on Twitter @elecomms