A QUARTER of Gen Z are kitting out their homes with second-hand items – as they want to go ‘vintage’.
The study of 2,000 adults found those aged 18-24 are now choosing to dress both themselves and where they live in items which are retro and from yesteryear.
The study found Gen Z are fans up upcycling and retro purchases from charity shops[/caption]
But it also found that adults are fearful of buying second-hand smartphones[/caption]
Younger adults are also concerned about finding second items which are ‘unique’ (35 per cent), as well as those which are sustainable (44 per cent).
They are also likely to rummage around charity shops and bargain bins for anything they can upcycle and customise (12 per cent).
But while there’s a willingness to buy pre-loved clothes and furniture, the poll by giffgaff revealed only 36 per cent of adults are likely to buy second hand devices.
With the main concerns being quality and reliability (63 per cent), followed by trust in the seller (45 per cent).
Those aged 45-54 have the biggest worries about battery life (47 per cent), while 25-34-year-olds have the biggest interest in the price – compared to the latest gadgets.
While only 32 per cent of younger adults buying tech say warranty and returns policies are a main concern, compared to 42 per cent of people from 45-54.
Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff said: “Our research shows we’re a nation that’s dedicated to finding and buying pre-loved items, but there’s still some nervousness around purchasing refurbished mobile phones.
“Refurbished is a no-brainer really – good for the pocket, and also good for the planet.”
The study also found that while 78 per cent of buyers aged 65-74 prioritise affordability and value in a purchase, only 58 per cent of those 18-24 feel the same.
One in 10 Gen Zs also spend time every single day browsing sites like Vinted, eBay or Facebook Marketplace for second-hand clothing.
When buying pre-loved clothes however, 19 per cent of all respondents have been surprised to find their new arrival turn up wrapped in a supermarket carrier bag.
More than one in 10 (14 per cent) have opened packaging to find their new clothing inside a binbag, and seven per cent have even taken delivery of a cereal box containing new threads.
CEO of giffgaff Ash Schofield added: “We’re proud to have our rigorous checks in place so that our customers know they can get quality and up to 24 months warranty with us.”
Top charity shop tips for bagging a bargain
Ross Dutton has been a manager for Crisis’s charity shops for four years and currently runs the charity’s Finsbury Park shop in London.
Choose your area – As a rule of thumb, the posher the area, the better quality the clothes that are donated.
Don’t hang around – If you see something you like, buy it, as it’ll likely be gone when you come back
Look out for cut-off labels – Some of your favourite high street stores will have deals with local charity shops to donate stock that isn’t sold during their own sales. Often part of the deal is that they need to cut the labels off the clothes.
Stay at home – While some charities have their own site, like Oxfam and Crisis. many also sell from dedicated eBay stores, such as British Heart Foundation and Scope. You won’t get the range of bargains that you would get in a physical store, but if you’re looking for something specific it may be worth checking online too.
