A soft porcelain teapot, a pair of leather brogues, a book of poetry, a velvet coat, an embroidered tablecloth and a saucepan. These are just a few of the things I recently bought from charity shops – where someone else’s garbage has become my treasure.

I also donated a large bag full of unwanted toys and games. Hopefully my rubbish is destined to also become the precious discoveries of others, accidentally stumbled upon during a chance browsing session.

This circular relationship is just one of the many joys of charity shops. They prolong the usefulness of objects which, instead of ending up in the landfill, are appreciated by the new owners. Second-hand donations constitute 90 percent of an average product line of the charity shop, mainly including clothing, but also furniture, housewares, books and much more.

Yet with the growing awareness of the benefits of a circular economy, a certain discernment has developed among charity shoppers, which has influenced the relevant language in recent years. Instead of “second-hand clothes”, we now speak of “ancient artifacts” and “pre-loved” or “vintage” finds. What was once considered sloppy is now “shabby-chic”.

Thus, charity shops are no longer the preserve of those looking for less expensive goods out of necessity, but the much revered staple of discerning shoppers. These discerning consumers are not only on the hunt for useful everyday items, but also seek out creative and artistic trophies, dabbling like jackdaws on rich assortments of paraphernalia in these contemporary Aladdin caves.

The economic value of charity shops is also considerable. There are currently more 11,000 of them in the United Kingdom, raising around £ 270million one year for all kinds of important work. This means vital funding for medical research, the fight against poverty, improving the well-being of children and a host of other causes.

Charity stores also embody a business concept known as “triple Bottom lineWhich argues that companies should have three key imperatives: people, planet and profit. Because while these stores bring money to their charities, they also have social and environmental benefits.

As a social good (in addition to supporting charitable work) they provide employment in the UK to 25,000 people, and volunteer opportunities for 233,000 others. These volunteers often benefit psychologically of their roles, many of which overcome loneliness while developing confidence and self-esteem.

From an environmental standpoint, charity shops keep merchandise that might otherwise be thrown around in circulation, saving UK local councils at least £ 31million a year as they embezzle 339,000 tons of clothing textiles from being thrown in landfills and reducing CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes.

So while ‘first-hand’ sector retailers grapple with the dilemma of how to be more sustainable while reliant on continued consumption, charity stores are at the forefront of sustainable retailing. . they deliver slow mode to discerning consumers and provide new purposes for donated goods.

Of course, the possibility of getting a good deal is a big draw for many buyers as well. Charity stores offer a rich range of affordable products and allow even low-income people to switch to designer brands. Yes, you can really find a Burberry trench coat for £ 30 – you just need patience and a willingness to practice your scavenger hunting skills.

Recycled Retail Therapy

Charity shops are experiential only. These are special retail spaces that satisfy a desire for individuality and authenticity, offering an exciting shopping experience that engages all the senses.

A study even highlights the pleasure people derive from spending time in these relaxed and informal environments – as a welcome antidote to the meticulously designed retail spaces of first-hand shopping, offering abandonment and chance instead of organized perfection.

The environments of charity shops have certainly changed. Until fairly recently, research suggests that they were often seen as “dark, smellyAnd disorganized places. Today the majority have undergone a transformation, becoming light, bright and pleasant places to visit.

Their challenge for the future will be to maintain that feeling of discovery, surprise and escape that sets them apart from mainstream shopping. They will also continue to rely on donations from the public, whether unwanted Christmas presents or toys the children have grown up with (there was a influx of donations after the first lockdown when many households decided to spend some of their forced time at home cleaning cabinets and cupboards).

If donations keep coming in, cabinets, shelves and rails in charity shops will be freshly stocked with all kinds of wonderful items looking for a new home – and offering the ultimate in free shopping. guilt. It’s hard (for me) to imagine a better hobby than something that combines supporting good causes, saving waste, and spending very little.

Esther Pugh is Senior Lecturer in Retail Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Leeds Beckett University. This article first appeared on The conversation.