BHF shops
Charity shops 'more important to society' than ever
Published:
6 August 2020
Published:
6 August 2020
Our recent survey reveals that UK shoppers are expected to shop second-hand to save money and support those in need, following the Covid-19 pandemic
Charity shops could be vital to the UK’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic by helping people save money, shop sustainably and fund charitable services, according to new insight*.
The survey shows that almost one in three UK adults (29%) feel that charity shops are more important to society following Covid-19, while four in ten (40%) agree that being sustainable and thinking about the environment when they shop is more important than before.
Shopping with heart
Of those who think charity shops will be more important for society:• Almost three quarters (71%) say it’s because charity shops provide affordable items to those with financial concerns.
• Almost seven in ten (68%) say it’s because they raise funds for charitable causes at a time many of these causes are in high demand.
• Over half (55%) say charity shops are vital because they prevent items from being thrown away.
• Just over four in ten (42%) respondents say they provide jobs and volunteering opportunities in community at a time the UK is facing recession.
Preloved doesn’t cost the earth
The figures also suggest that charity shops could be particularly beneficial for younger people conscious of costs and the environment:
• Almost a fifth (19%) of respondents aged 25-34 said they will be more likely to shop in charity shops after the pandemic than before, compared to only 6% of respondents aged 55+.
• Nearly a fifth (19%) of respondents aged 16-24 strongly agree that being sustainable and thinking about the environment when they shop is more important than before the pandemic.
Last year alone, thanks to the generosity of public donations to our shops we helped reuse an incredible 71,000 tonnes of items and prevent 135,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the atmosphere. The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the benefits charity shops bring to the economy and consumers, from saving people money, to preventing items going to waste and funding causes that have given vital support to people during this time. We hope our shops will be a first stop for those wanting to declutter and donate as people are more conscious of these benefits than ever.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, our Retail Director, said: “This pandemic has been devastating for so many of us and the reopening of charity shops is going to be vital for millions as we look to recover. Charity shops provide high quality items at affordable prices, power charitable services that have never been more in demand, reuse thousands of tonnes of items and provide a community space for so many volunteers and customers.”
“Every pound raised in our shops helps us to support the 7.4 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases, many of whom are at increased risk from Covid-19. Shopping at the BHF will help us, help them.”
At the end of March, we temporarily closed our 750 nationwide shops in order to protect staff, volunteers and customers. We have since shared the news that our funding budget to support research into heart and circulatory diseases may be reduced by £50 million this year. Now, as our shops reopen with new safety measures in place, we’re encouraging the public to support the BHF and shop or donate to help us continue our life-saving work.
*The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2016 general consumers aged 16+ between 17.06.2020 - 19.06.2020. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
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