Something old, Something new
The rising popularity of charity shops in today’s economy
Most people switch their fashion up over the years, throwing away that hoodie with the faded logo after all its times in the washing machine and buying a newer, comfier one to fill the space in your wardrobe; a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
However, do you ever think about what happens to that hoodie after you've thrown it out? Well, most materials and clothing end up in landfills, with the global population producing 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year, according to ‘Business Waste’. This is having a detrimental effect to the environment, resulting in the fashion industry contributing to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions.
In these times of concerns about excessive material waste and rises in inflation contributing to a decrease in disposable income, sustainability and ethical consumerism are becoming more influential within the minds of the public, affecting everyone from pensioners to new homeowners.
Places that hold these morals today are the silent heroes of the highstreets; charity shops. In towns such as Stourbridge, you can walk down the high street and be greeted by the bright and inviting windows of Barnardo’s, The Salvation Army, Oxfam, etc. These shops are acting as an economic lighthouse of safety.
Charity shops offer second-hand clothing, accessories, books and home furniture at affordable prices, with the money raised contributing to kind and deserving causes, e.g, aid in giving young people good education, helping the homeless, protecting animals and much more social welfare.
Another benefit of charity shops is that they consequently reduce the amount of clothing waste. If you decide ‘that top isn't my style anymore’, you can donate it to a charity shop so that someone else can find it in their ‘thrift shop treasure hunt’. These donations lessen the environmental impact in reusing pre-loved items so that they don’t end up in landfill.
‘Thrifting’ visits to charity shops became widely popular during the Covid-19 pandemic with Gen Z creating images of trendy and unique styles that can be found in such an environmentally friendly choice. Especially with a rise in Y2K fashion (referring to popular styles of the late 1990s and early 2000s), the appeal of finding one-of-a-kind items, vintage clothing and things that you wouldn't find in other shops today has grown exponentially.
However, some pre-owned products donated to the charity may cause slight issues. According to research from Ecover in August 2024, 14% of Brits admit to donating something that they knew was not appropriate in terms of quality for resale. This could lead to some clothing looking worn-out or damaged and could consequently lead to drawing people away from seeking other second-hand goods.
A counterbalance for charity shops is the beneficial opportunity for young people. As well as a chance to discover unique fashion, many charity shops allow young people to volunteer with them. This is a great way of starting out in a work environment that can help in building a sense of responsibility and independence. College student Zoe expressed how their first experience in working in their local Oxfam “gave the initiative and confidence to talk to people” in new work environments.
So, the next time your wardrobe needs a refresh, why not donate some good-quality items to your local charity shop? You might just make someone's day, with your discarded clothing becoming the finishing touch for their outfit. Similarly, spend a few minutes browsing yourself. You might find something new and special (at an affordable price!)
https://www.businesswaste.co.uk/your-waste/textile-recycling/fashion-waste-facts-and-statistics/
https://www.a1retailmagazine.com/latest-news/the-thrift-movement-is-thriving/