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Bristol named among top UK destinations for thrift shops
Bristol, with its eco credentials and love for all things quirky and beautiful, has secured a top spot as one of the country’s prime thrift shop hubs.
A recent survey revealed that Bristol ranks first in the UK for the number of charity shops, boasting around 145 charity shops and 16 car boot sales.
The survey, conducted by VoucherCodes.co.uk, also highlights how Gen Z is breaking with tradition when it comes to spending habits. In sharp contrast to their predecessors, nearly 40 per cent of 18-24-year-olds are prioritising long-term saving over ‘spending big’.
Meanwhile, a study by The Co-operative Bank placed Bristol ninth in the overall spendthrift rankings, with Norwich clinching the top spot with four charity shops per square mile. Manchester secured third place, with almost 45,000 listings for second-hand goods on Gumtree.
From vintage clothing to quirky homeware, Bristol’s second-hand shops are a treasure trove for those seeking unique finds, sustainable shopping, and an escape from the fast-paced consumerism of modern retail.
Thrift shopping in the city has seen a significant rise in recent years, driven by a range of factors, including growing awareness of the environmental impact of overconsumption, a desire for one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found on the high street, and the increasing cost of living which has led people to limit spending on little luxuries.
The St Peter’s Hospice shop in Westbury Park was recently crowned the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop in the South West by the Charity Retail Association – photo: St Peter’s Hospice
Additionally, Bristol is home to over 65,000 students who attend the city’s two universities. Rough estimates have indicated that student community brings in £1 billion to the local economy each year.
This recognition comes as no surprise, particularly as Gloucester Road in north Bristol was recently named one of the UK’s top ten “hotspots for independent shops” in a study by American Express.
Gloucester Road is just one of several areas in Bristol known for its indie thrift shops, which offer a wide array of goods, from preloved clothes and books to garden furniture.
The Salvation Army shop in Stokes Croft is another popular stop among the bargain hunters – photo: Milan Perera
Other popular spots for thrift shopping include Henleaze, St Mark’s Road, Westbury Village, Cotham Hill, Stokes Croft, North Street, and St Nicholas Market.
Gloucester Road in north Bristol was recently named one of the UK’s top ten “hotspots for independent shops” in a study by American Express – photo: Seun Matiluko
Bristol’s reputation as a hub for second-hand shopping was further cemented when the combined area of Stokes Croft and St Paul’s was named “one of the coolest cities in the world” in Time Out’s annual list.
The city is also home to some well-loved charity shops, including St Peter’s Hospice, British Heart Foundation, Tenovus, The Salvation Army, Cancer Research UK, RSPCA, and Oxfam. The St Peter’s Hospice shop in Westbury Park was recently crowned the Favourite Charity Shop in the South West by the Charity Retail Association.
The study assessing charity shop activity took into account several metrics, with each city’s charity shops, antique fairs, and car boot sales being indexed by the number per square mile. Gumtree listings per 10,000 people were also considered. Cities were then scored and ranked accordingly.
As Sophie McHale, public relations lead at The Co-operative Bank, points out, thrifting is beneficial both for the planet and for your finances.
St Nicholas Market is a popular hub of indie thrift shops – photo: Milan Perera
“Thrifting is a great way to save money while also helping the planet,” McHale said. “Every week, 13 million items end up in landfill, and second-hand shopping can help reduce that waste.”
“Additionally, you can save up to 25 per cent per item, which could add up to £185 a year. Each purchase could free up money for savings or other financial goals.”
Cotham Antiques on Cotham Hill is a treasure trove of preloved items ranging from New Age jewellery to upright pianos – photo: Milan Perera
Bristol was also named as one of the best places in the UK to start a new business in a recent survey.
Main photo: Milan Perera
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