Charity shops more important for society than ever following Covid-19
Melanie May | 10 August 2020 | News
Almost a third of people, 29%, think charity shops are more important than ever following the Covid-19 crisis, research conducted for British Heart Foundation has found.
Censuswide questioned over 2000 consumers in June and also found out that of those who think charity shops have become more important, almost three quarters (71%) say it is because charity shops provide affordable items to those with financial concerns, while 68% say it is because they raise funds for charitable causes at a time many of these causes are in high demand.
In addition, over half (55%) say charity shops are vital because they prevent items from being thrown away, and 42% say they provide jobs and volunteering opportunities in community at a time the UK is facing recession. 40% also think that being sustainable and thinking about the environment when they shop is more important than before the pandemic.
Younger people in particular say they are more likely to use charity shops after the pandemic than before, at almost a fifth (19%) of respondents aged 25-34 compared to 6% of those aged 55+.
The same proportion of respondents aged 16-24 also strongly agree that being sustainable and thinking about the environment when they shop is more important than before the pandemic.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, BHF 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.”
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About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.