BHF shops
A quarter of the nation’s wardrobes contain no preloved items, our survey reveals
One in four (25 per cent) people in the UK own no preloved items in their wardrobe, according to our new survey. We are urging the nation to join Reuse Revolution by shopping and donating preloved this spring.
Our survey of over 4,600 people, conducted by Censuswide, found that while clothes are the nation’s favourite item to buy preloved, one quarter (25 per cent) of the nation’s wardrobes don’t contain any second-hand pieces.
Gen Z leading the way with preloved
Gen Z (16-26 year-olds) are leading the way and supporting preloved with over a fifth (23 per cent) of respondents from that age range stating that between 50 per cent and 74 per cent of items in their wardrobes are preloved, in comparison to 1 in 10 (10 per cent) of Generation X (43- 58 year-olds) who said the same.The survey also found that just over two in five (42 per cent) respondents believed the proportion of preloved in their wardrobes has increased1 over the last few years and said their main motivation for shopping preloved was to find cheaper alternatives due to the rising cost of living.
Protecting the planet
Meanwhile, donating preloved (32 per cent) was identified as one of the top three actions respondents would take to help protect the planet, as well as recycling more (46 per cent) and reducing food waste by meal planning (30 per cent).Just under a fifth (19 per cent) of people said not knowing what they can donate or what condition the items need to be in, is the biggest barrier for donating preloved items.
This spring, we are calling on the nation to join Reuse Revolution by shopping and donating preloved.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, our retail director said: “There’s been a real shift in the public’s perception around shopping and donating preloved and our survey shows we need to continue championing the joys of second-hand shopping to see the entire nation favouring it in their wardrobes and around their homes.
“At the BHF, it’s never been easier to shop and donate preloved and we hope Reuse Revolution inspires people to choose it as their number one option.
"And, by choosing the BHF, people will help fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases, as every pound raised in the charity’s shops and online stores helps support the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory conditions.”
TikTok second-hand shopping sensation
Jennifer Graham (née Jennifer Brady), also known as the Charity Shop Girl, has amassed nearly 75,000 followers on TikTok and over 20,000 on Instagram with her second-hand shopping hauls and tips and is supporting our campaign.
Jen said: “I’m absolutely hooked on shopping preloved and have an incredible audience who love to follow and see what second hand finds I can get my hands on.
"I love shopping in charity shops on the high street as well as browsing the BHF on eBay and Depop from the comfort of my own home.”