UK's first multi-charity store has opened.

Richard1212

What is billed as the UK's first multi-charity store has opened to shoppers.

Charity Super.Mkt at Brent Cross Shopping Centre sells donated clothing supplied by 10 UK charities, including Barnardo's and Cancer Research.

It comes as second-hand fashion is gaining in popularity amid the rising cost of living and a higher demand for sustainable shopping.

The pop-up store, which is staffed by volunteers, will be open for a month at the north London shopping centre.

• Six things to check before you give to a charity shop
• 'We must break the stigma of second-hand clothes'

Other charities contributing clothes include Age UK, All Aboard, Emmaus, Havens Hospice, SCT, Marie Curie, TRAID and Shelter.

The above is copy/pasted from BBC online News page. We live in very sad times. We are the 6th largest economy in the world ----what on earth went wrong ?????????

soolin

As the6th largest economy in the world, and I’ve no idea if that’s correct and how it is calculated, then I’m extremely pleased that people see the green and sustainability of recycling used goods. Hopefully this will spread to things other than clothes. 

There is a growing trend for recycling, I’m on several groups that showcase their bargains and how they are used. Many people buy up things and almost compete to see how they can be altered - I’ve seen several absolutely wonderful dresses and bags made from duvet or curtaining material. 

I see this less as a cost of living issue, and more of an attempt to stop the over production of mass produced cheap clothing. That is particularly pertinent in many areas where clothing from a charity shop is often more expensive than something from say Primark. 

Richard1212

Thank you soolin for one of your normal thoughtful and considered posts. 

On this occasion, I disagree with your  view that the cost of living crisis is not responsible for the Brent clothing superstore. The author of the article I posted also disagrees with you.

I believe that it is no different to the growing number of food banks ( of which there are now over 2,500 in UK , including about 1500 Trussell Food Banks) ------all caused by the economic turmoil we face. The same applies to the lack or reduction of heating and lighting in many homes; and the cost of many basic products whose prices have soared.