With money not going as far as it used to, 79% of budget-conscious Brits are now buying preloved to save money. At the same time, the majority of Brits under 65 (54%) now experience bouts of eco-anxiety, and 65% of adults are also turning to secondhand as a more sustainable life choice. More and more shoppers are enjoying the twofold benefits of the circular economy - saving money and living more sustainably - with 35% buyers getting a kick from this perceived ‘double buzz’.
Preloved buying and selling has become so embedded in our shopping habits that as many as one in ten are now buying better quality items knowing they will sell them on later and recoup some of the cost, rather than improving, or ‘upcycling’ them at home. Plus, most UK shoppers (58%) look forward to a preloved purchase just as much (or more) than new.
Wob, which rehomed nearly 16 million books in the latest year, found that the thrill of finding something unique not available elsewhere motivates 35% consumers to choose second-hand. Yet surprisingly, the majority (73%) of UK adults still think that shopping sustainably is more expensive than regular shopping - despite the rising preloved trend.
Rebecca Alford, Head of Brand at Wob, commented: “At the best of times we all love bagging a bargain but amidst the cost-of-living crisis it’s become even more important for shoppers to save money where they can. There's a real thrill in finding a treat for yourself at a more affordable price and it’s a double win when your purchase is environmentally guilt free too.
“It’s time to dispel the myth that buying sustainably is more expensive. As a purpose-driven business, we are on a mission to help people save both their pockets and the planet and for our part, the group saved over 79 tonnes of books, CDs, DVDs and games (or the equivalent of 11 double-decker buses) from going to landfill last year. ”
To find out more about Wob and the group’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.wob.com or you can access the full 2022 Impact Report here: https://www.wob.com/en-gb/impact-report-22
-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITORS
For press enquiries, contact [email protected]
About World of Books Group