Norwich: A recent analysis by The Co-operative Bank reveals that Norwich leads the UK for thrift shopping, boasting four charity shops per square mile and numerous second-hand options, amidst rising interest driven by sustainability and cost-of-living concerns.
Norwich has been identified as the premier city for thrift shopping in the UK, according to a recent analysis conducted by The Co-operative Bank. The study highlighted that Norwich is home to four charity shops per square mile, totalling 60 across the city. In addition to its extensive charity shop presence, Norwich features 13 antique fairs, 16 car boot sales, and a substantial 973 Gumtree listings for second-hand items per 10,000 residents.
This ranking comes amid a growing trend in which nearly half of individuals residing in England and Wales are either opting for charity shops or are contemplating second-hand alternatives, driven by the rising cost of living. The comprehensive research assessed the quantity of charity shops, antique fairs, car boot sales, and online listings across 30 selected UK cities, taking into account their respective sizes and populations.
Nottingham secured the second position with over four charity shops per square mile and a total of 127 charity stores citywide. Furthermore, Nottingham has an impressive 43 car boot sales available for shoppers seeking bargains. Meanwhile, Manchester rounded out the top three, boasting 102 charity shops, and leading as the best city for online thrifting, with nearly 45,000 Gumtree listings for second-hand goods — which translates to 1,123 listings for every 10,000 residents.
Cambridge was ranked fourth; despite its smaller population, it features 2.3 charity shops per square mile (totaling 36) and more than 500 Gumtree listings per 10,000 residents. Oxford completes the top five, offering just under 50 charity shops, seven antique fairs, and 22 car boot sales for local thrifty shoppers.
The burgeoning interest in thrift shopping contributes to a larger movement towards sustainable fashion in the UK, with over 11,200 charity shops nationwide. The lifestyle choice of thrifting not only presents an opportunity for individuals to save money but also serves an environmental purpose by reducing waste. Sophie McHale, Public Relations Lead at The Co-operative Bank, highlighted these benefits, stating: “Thrifting is a great way to save money while also helping the planet. Every week, 13 million items end up in landfill, and second-hand shopping can prevent more landfill waste from accumulating.”
This trend underlines the growing appreciation for second-hand clothing and slow fashion among consumers, promoting environmentally conscious fashion choices without sacrificing style. The data concerning Gumtree listings were gathered as of 20 November 2024, reflecting the trend’s traction across various regions in the UK.
Source: Noah Wire Services
