33% of Brits plan to shop with charity retailers as a result of cost of living crisis

A third (33 per cent) of Brits say they are adjusting their Christmas shopping plans by shopping with charity retailers as a result of the rising cost of living, according to a new British Heart Foundation (BHF) survey.

The survey of 2,010 people, conducted by Censuswide, found that over two in five (46 per cent) Brits aged 16-24 and over a fifth (22 per cent) aged 55 and over said they will change their plans to buy from charity shops this festive season due to the cost of living crisis.

On average, those surveyed who said they will be buying from charity retailers this year will buy four items each. Second-hand books (26 per cent), toys (20 per cent) and clothes (17 per cent) were at the top of the list of gifts that they will buy.

Meanwhile, shoppers say they are motivated to buy their Christmas presents from charity retailers to help fund a good cause (37 per cent), save money (34 per cent), to be able to find unexpected treasures/items (22 per cent) and be more sustainable and environmentally friendly (21 per cent).

This festive season, the BHF is urging people to shop online or in one of its 700 UK shops and stores. By choosing the BHF, shoppers will be helping to give the gift that keeps on living – by funding lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases. Every pound raised in the charity’s shops and online stores helps support the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory conditions.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said:

“We know this festive season is going to be tougher for many families across the UK – and this survey shows that due to the rising cost of living, the need to make our money go further is even greater.

“Christmas shopping with the BHF is not only good value for money, but the survey shows people want to support a good cause at the same time. By shopping with the BHF, you’ll also be giving the gift that keeps on living, by helping to fund our lifesaving research. You’ll find affordable treasures for your loved ones and it’s a great sustainable solution too. We hope to welcome many festive shoppers in our high street shops, or on our online eBay and Depop stores.

“We hope that we can offer that bit of support with great quality gifts at lower prices whilst also looking after the planet.”

To donate or shop with the British Heart Foundation this festive season and give the gift that keeps on living, please visit: www.bhf.org.uk/Christmas.