Booming retail trend that’s easing the cost of living

Cost of living continues to be a headache for Aussies – but there’s a rising trend that shows there is a way to ease the pain.

Lauren Nicolle at Round Two Preloved Clothing in Brisbane’s Norman Park. Picture: Richard Walker

Second-hand clothing stores are in the midst of a resurgence, with Aussies increasingly shopping at charity and opportunity stores amid the cost-of-living crisis.

New data reveals young people in particular are more inclined to find a quality bargain in second-hand shops over major retail brands and fast fashion outlets.

Consumer research from IBISWorld found spending at op shops had fluctuated substantially over the past few years with sales surging as “rampant inflation” eats into household budgets.

Overall, revenue for opportunity shops was expected to increase at an average annual rate of 0.6 per cent over the five years through 2023-24, to reach $1.32 billion.

Australian Retail Association CEO Paul Zahra said 12.2 million Australians buy second-hand items, with one in ten of these buyers saying the more affordable cost drove their purchasing decision.

“We continue to see a rise in the more purposeful shopper who is focused on stretching their dollar further and lessening their environmental footprint,” Mr Zahra said.

“Research from Roy Morgan showed that consumers have reigned in their spending by four per cent in the past year, with 25 to 34-year-olds, as well as families with children, trying to save the most.

“Some shoppers are turning to second-hand goods to find high-quality, affordable items.

“Others are doing so with environmental considerations in mind or to take advantage of retro clothing trends.”

Mr Zahra said a growing cohort of shoppers were prioritising alternatives to fast fashion.

“(There is) a desire for long-lasting, unique and vintage items with a desire to ensure their purchases have less of an environmental impact,” he said.

Lifeline Queensland Retail general manager Jamie Mackay said value was a key factor as people became more mindful of their spending, especially with the rising cost of living.

“Across our shops there’s no doubt we’re seeing a surge of shoppers opting for preloved items, with school holidays being some of our busiest times for us,” Mr Mackay said.

Salvos senior manager Tim O’Brien said shopping at opportunity stores is a much-loved way to find quality clothing items at great prices.

“In recent years we’ve also seen more customers choosing to purchase their clothing with us because of the sustainability benefits of shopping preloved and keeping items in circulation for longer,” he said.