Are Charity Shops Thriving During the UK’s Financial Struggles?

At a time when the UK public are still pinching their purses in order to keep up with the ever growing cost of living compared with the amount that they’re earning, there is evidence to suggest that more and more people are choosing to shop in charity shops or equivalent establishments that trade second hand clothes.

Charity shops have always been a presence on the high street but in terms of the clothes departments within them, they have been less popular with people assuming that they are of a lower quality. This stigma has been changed with the growth of internet sensations such as ASOS Marketplace, Ebay and Preloved where, as perverse as it sounds, the customer feels less like they’re purchasing an item previously worn. These websites also offer the possibility of landing a deal – they often offer items that are of an extremely high quality at discounted prices because they are not new. It also means that the second customer in the chain can, in theory, get a lot of wear out of the product because its high quality dictates that the item will be able to take a lot of wear before it is scruffy and old.

As the name suggests, purchasing from a charity shop also means that you are able to donate to a good cause – say Oxfam – while also acquiring a new possession. Particularly living in the developed Western world, there is an expectation to provide some help for those lesser developed countries but when personal finances are in sorry states themselves, it can become more difficult to allow for some of your income to be spent on others. As selfish as that sounds, charity has to be a bonus option. By including a purchase in the donation (or donation in the purchase dependent on personal perspective) the customer can still maintain their moral dignity while looking after themselves.

Financial struggles will always cause customers to look for better options when making purchases. This can be anything from food to clothing to entertainment, being able to get something you need or want for a lower cost is the ultimate goal so companies such as ASOS offering a second hand clothes service means they don’t lose their customers’ business entirely.

For more information on the products and services offered by ASOS, speak with a member of their customer service department. All the relevant contact details can be found at www.customerservicescontact.co.uk.