Is Brent Cross Leading the Way?…

Preloved goods see a further rise in popularity, not surprising given the current cost of living crisis and an ever-increasing thirst for sustainability. As a result of this, the routes to market appear to be finding new and innovative ways of grabbing their potential customers’ attention.

In the UK the first charity shop ‘department store’ has opened in Brent Cross Shopping Centre in London on a temporary pop-up basis for one month. The store has a marketplace feel and is housed in a sizeable retail unit previously occupied by Top Shop; Ten charities have taken part in the scheme and the design of the store is light and airy with the usual accoutrements seen in a retail environment.

Post pandemic some charity shops have seen up to a 20% increase in the purchase of second-hand goods. Those of us that form Generation Z are most likely to spend a morning perusing the racks of clothing and leafing through books in their spare time; Sustainability today, carries the same kudos as bagging a bargain.

Multiple online marketplaces such as Vinted and Preloved have enjoyed huge success in recent years, allowing people to sell unwanted items whilst seeking to purchase further sustainable fashion.  This has become, during tough economic times a way to supplement one’s income, with many purchasing goods from charity shops to resell online.

The increase in the buying and selling of pre-used goods has a double whammy effect, a welcome cost saving and also the feeling of doing something good for the wider environment.

Back on the High Street many charity shops have upped their game in terms of shops dedicated to high end fashion and accessories, which are certainly proving popular – 2022 saw a circa 18% increase in clothes purchased either online or in a bricks and mortar store.  Utilisation of platforms such as eBay, Shopify and Thriftify account for this.

As the popularity of recycling, upcycling and of course being mindful of pocket and planet, increases with each year the various routes to market for these goods can only continue to grow and diversify, to the benefit of all involved.