In recent years, second-hand shopping has gained popularity in the UK, particularly around Christmas time, as more people choose to give preloved gifts. Charity shops, such as those run by Oxfam, have witnessed a significant increase in customers. One busy afternoon in London’s Marylebone High Street, the Oxfam shop outpaced the upscale retailers in foot traffic, with shoppers looking for affordable yet meaningful presents.
Ollie Mead, who oversees shop displays for Oxfam in London, notes that since September, there’s been a notable rise in people opting for second-hand gifts. Oxfam stores offer a range of items, from books and toys to clothes and bric-a-brac, all priced much lower than new goods. This trend is part of a broader shift, with UK consumers expected to spend £2 billion (US$2.5 billion) on second-hand Christmas gifts this year, according to a report by Vinted and RetailEconomics.
Sustainability concerns and cost-of-living pressures have been key drivers of this shift. Many shoppers, like doctor Ed Burdett, are motivated by both the financial savings and the desire to give “things another life.” “It’s nice to spend less, and to know that it goes to a good place rather than a high street shop,” Burdett explains.
Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of Charity Super.Mkt, which places charity shops in vacant retail spaces, says second-hand shopping at Christmas has become more mainstream. He notes that when he started selling second-hand clothes decades ago, sales would drop during Christmas, but now his shops are seeing a 20% increase in sales, similar to those of new stores.
Young consumers, especially those interested in sustainable fashion and the circular economy, are fueling this trend. While some people, like 56-year-old Jennifer Odibo, still prefer to buy new items for Christmas, experts like sociology researcher Tetyana Solovey see a shift in consciousness. She believes that reusing items could become a sustainable tradition, offering a fresh approach to holiday gifting.
Although some still view second-hand gifts as unconventional, many are embracing the idea of giving new life to preloved items, making it a more popular and sustainable choice this Christmas season.
READ MORE: