Scope reveals we’re still great donators.

New research by Scope finds the rise in popularity of resale apps like Vinted, Depop and eBay hasn’t stopped the majority of people in the UK donating their preloved goods to charity shops, after a clear out.

It appears that even in a cost of living crisis, the public’s support for charity shops is a strong as ever.

The charity asked 2000 adults about donating to charity shops or selling online after a clear out. The reasons given include:

• 4 in 5 (81%) of people agreed they believe their donation to a charity shop will fund something important and it’s as good as giving money to charity.
• 1 in 4 (26%) agree they’ve been inspired to donate to charity shops by decluttering TV shows such as Stacy Soloman’s Sort Your Life Out - BBC or Tidying Up with Marie Kondo – Netflix.
• A further two in nine (22%) agree social media influencers inspire then to donate to charity shops.
• Unsurprisingly, 18-34 year olds are the largest demographic to sell online, at one in two (47%), compared to three in eight (36%) for 35-54 year olds and one in eight (12%) for those 55 and over.

The research comes as the Scope charity shops launch their Great Donate campaign, asking people to have a clear out and donate their pre-loved items to their local Scope charity shop, this spring.

Donations help raise vital funds for Scope to support disabled people and their families. The charity’s services have never been needed more than during the cost of living crisis. Life costs more for disabled people. There is no escape from high energy bills when you have medical equipment to power or you live with a condition affected by the cold. Last year, Scope supported over 42,000 customers with information and advice through our free Helpline and Disability Energy Support service.


Ruth Blazye, Executive Director of Retail and Communities at disability equality charity Scope, says:

“We often get asked if resale apps have affected the quantity or quality of donations we’re receiving. Our answer has always been “no”, in fact, we’ve seen a rise in donations over the last few years. Now we know why, people really do feel good about donating to charity shops.

We’re very lucky to have such loyal and generous customers, but we still desperately need donations to ensure our shops continue to offer the thrill of finding a quality pre-loved clothing and homeware at brilliant and affordable prices. If you’re having a clear out, we’d love you to drop your unwanted items off at Scope.

You’ll love the space you get back and even more, you’ll love that you are supporting equality for disabled people.Charity shops are a national institution, but I believe a little bit of healthy competition from resale apps is good. It means charity shops need to work harder to ensure they’re giving customers even more reasons to support them.”