A recent quiz can help determine if you are a prudent shopper, a thrifty second-hand enthusiast, or a fashion enthusiast. A survey of 2,000 adults unveiled that Brits collectively spend £31 billion annually on new clothes, whether they are brand-new items or treasured second-hand pieces. On average, individuals spend £590 per year on clothing, with £87 allocated for a single significant event outfit, resulting in a substantial expenditure across the UK’s 53 million adults.
Factors that trigger online shopping sprees and wardrobe makeovers include preparing for holidays, upcoming weddings, and the festive Christmas party season. Additionally, some consider milestone birthdays or relationship transitions as suitable occasions for a style update. Interestingly, many clothing items enjoy a second life, as half of the individuals rewear outfits after special events.
Quality plays a crucial role in consumers’ decision-making, with 37% prioritizing durable garments and 32% seeking timeless wardrobe essentials. More than a quarter of shoppers now focus on seeking pre-loved pieces when shopping for events, citing affordability, higher quality at a lower price, and sustainability as key motivators.
Adam Bullock, UK Director at TopCashback, highlighted that wardrobe refreshes often coincide with significant life moments such as weddings or parties. With an increasing preference for second-hand shopping, individuals can now earn cashback on pre-loved purchases, enhancing the reward of finding unique items.
The study also revealed that 44% prefer online browsing, purchasing an average of three items per session, compared to 27% who favor in-store shopping. T-shirts, jeans, trainers, and dresses/jumpsuits are among the most sought-after wardrobe additions. When making a purchase, 28% buy immediately if they spot a good deal, while 23% prefer to deliberate by leaving items in their online baskets or wish lists.
Despite the availability of discounts and cashback deals, a significant 50% of individuals admit they rarely or never take full advantage of these opportunities, missing out on potential savings. Bullock suggested that shoppers can be more resourceful by waiting for the best discounts and making use of cashback to offset future purchases.