Scope…out?
So, popular charity Scope is closing the doors on many of its stores—is this really surprising? Probably not, considering the current climate of cutthroat competition and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. (Like when is that going to end?). The director cites reduced footfall and increased competition in the online pre-loved market. Underperforming stores have been given the cut. It’s sad to see; now there will be even more shuttered shops on the high street. However, some issues need to be addressed. I don’t think it’s just a lack of shoppers and online competition—although those are important factors. In fact, they’ve seen a boom in online sales in 2023/24, with an additional income of £1.2 million. That’s certainly not an amount to be sniffed at. The real issue is the cost of running a physical shop: paying rent, business rates, utilities, and staff can tip most retailers over the edge.
will my local Scope join the realms of the many shuttered shops or not??
For me, though, it’s the overpricing that’s common in these chain charity shops. They’re too expensive—often charging more than the original retail price! That’s just not acceptable. I know they’ve got to cover costs, but look at the result: if prices were lower, I’m sure fewer shops would be closing. Although I’m sad to see more charity shops shutting, I believe the big chains need to reassess their pricing. People used to go to charity shops for a bargain, not to pay hand over fist for something that is, after all, secondhand and worn. It’s great that these items can be given a second life—but why should people have to pay a premium for that? The nearest Scope to me is in the next town, about 17 miles away, and I’m not sure what the outlook is for it. It’s a well-presented store (pictured) offering a good variety of fashionable items. However, the pricing is rather high for that area. Will this one last? I’m not sure…I sincerely hope so—but I know I won’t be buying there any time soon, unfortunately.
And now drumroll…for some LOL AI take on the situation:-
“Love a good thrift find, but I’m not taking out a loan for a worn-out jumper. Sorry, Scope.” + “When charity shops start charging more than retail… something’s gone off in the donations bin.” “I went in for a bargain and left with sticker shock.” + finally “Charity shops used to be about giving things a second life—not selling them for twice the life savings!” 😂
Thank you AI for your enlightening contribution, and now please take a bow!