SCOTTISH consumers are acknowledging the importance of sustainability as they seek out second-hand items, according to a new study.
Commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, the research showed that almost half of Scots (48%) now believe that shopping for second-hand goods is important to save the environment, while 73% reference price as the top benefit to shopping for used items.
Nearly half of Scots (45%) say that if they can be assured of the quality, safety and cleanliness of goods they are more likely to shop for used items.
Recognising this, Zero Waste Scotland is urging shoppers to look for the logo of Revolve – the national certification scheme for second-hand stores which guarantees high-quality products that comply with safety standards.
Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Second hand doesn’t have to mean second best, Revolve certified stores offer quality pre-loved pieces where customers can be confident that they are buying quality goods from a trusted source.
“It’s great to see perceptions of second hand are being viewed more positively, however there’s still a way to go in reassuring shoppers on the quality, reliability and professionalism when shopping second hand verses buying new.
“We encourage shoppers to think second hand first and look for the Revolve logo for reassurance they’re going to save money and find great quality items in store.”
There are more than 120 Revolve-certified stores nationwide, offering pre-used items which range from clothes and furniture to bicycles.
The most recent data showed that annual sales across the network of Revolve-certified outlets had reached £33.4 million, with average sales income across a sample of the longest certified stores doubling in four years.
While 32% of Scottish shoppers have bought second-hand clothing or furniture, smaller items such as CDs, DVDs and vinyl are proving to be the most popular (39%). Only 15% of Scots have never considered purchasing an item second hand before purchasing a new one.
The organisation behind the survey, Zero Waste Scotland, aims to help build a society where resources are valued and nothing is wasted, with the goal of helping Scotland realise the economic, environmental and social benefits of making best use of limited natural resources.
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