Scope reports surge in first time charity shoppers during cost of living crisis

• Three quarters (73%) say charity shops play a vital role in high streets during the cost of living crisis [1]
• 13% are visiting charity shops for the first time [1]
• Scope invites more shoppers to find quality bargains, be sustainable and receive a warm community welcome

New research from 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 homeware and as a result are discovering the value, variety and sense of community to be found at Scope charity shops.

Scope’s survey [1] asked 2,000 people about their charity shopping habits and found:

• 50% say that the current cost of living pressures has prompted them to shop in charity shops [1]
• 17% of people agreed that since the cost of living crisis began they have been shopping more in charity shops. [1]
• 13% are shopping in charity shops for the first time [1]

Three quarters (73%) say charity shops play a vital role on the high street, an increase of 15%, compared to 2021 polling. [2]
Scope’s sales of pre-loved goods are up 6% on last year. Some shops are seeing an even bigger surge with increases up to 60% on last year.

The number one reason people are turning to charity shops is value (52% [1]) but shoppers are also discovering other benefits including:

• 3 in 10 (30%) say their local charity shop makes me feel an important part of the community. [1]
• 33% say they can find something different at charity shops [1]
• 27% visit charity shops for sustainability reasons [1]

Interestingly the research also shows price has overtaken altruism when asked “what are the most important factors for shopping at charity shops?”:
In 2021, 56% said "Charity shops support good causes and it's my way of contributing" [2]

In 2023, supporting a good cause slipped by seven percentage points into second place at 49%. Price became the key pulling factor, at 55%. [1]

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% in referrals to the energy support service.

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. One shop manager organises wellbeing events for his customers, from beach walking, hikes on the South Downs and crystal sessions. And they love it.

“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.”

Notes to Editors

Source:

[1] Opinium: Charity Shop survey for Scope, 27 January – 31 January 2023. Sampling 2001 UK adults. Results are weighted to be nationally representative.

[2] Opinium: Charity Shops State of the Nation survey for Scope, 30 March – 1 April 2021. Sampling 2001 UK adults. Results are weighted to be nationally representative.