A city charity shop is seeing new customers as people try to make their money go further and combat disposable fashion.

New research carried out by Scope found that 79pc of people in Norwich say that charity shops play a vital role in high streets during the cost of living crisis.  

And 7pc of those people are visiting charity shops for the first time.  

Norwich Evening News: Scope has lots of unworn ASOS items for sale at a heavily discounted price Scope has lots of unworn ASOS items for sale at a heavily discounted price (Image: Scope Norwich)

Scope rose to popularity in the city when they introduced new ASOS clothing, sample clothing donated by the online shopping platform that people can buy for a bargain price.

Philippa Hindes, shop manager of the Scope store in Anglia Square, said: "Over the last few months, I’ve noticed new customers coming in and they’re mainly younger, and often students.  

"They love the fact they’re doing their part for the environment, buying and donating pre-loved clothing.  

Norwich Evening News: Philippa Hindes, shop manager always welcomes new donations Philippa Hindes, shop manager always welcomes new donations (Image: Scope Norwich)

"They also love that they always find something that suits their style and budget."

Scope in Anglia Square has long-serving staff members – with one volunteer being there for 12 years, resulting in them being on a first-name basis with many regular customers. 

The charity estimates the average bag of donations to their charity shops is worth £20. Each call to Scope’s free helpline costs the charity £8, so one bag can fund two calls for disabled people to receive expert advice and vital emotional support.  

Norwich Evening News: Rails in Norwich's Scope are filled with unworn ASOS items and pre-loved donations Rails in Norwich's Scope are filled with unworn ASOS items and pre-loved donations (Image: Newsquest)

Philippa added: "If you’re planning a spring clean, we’d love you to donate your pre-loved clothing, or homeware to our shop, where we’ll ensure they’ll find a new home."

Ruth Blazye, executive director of retail and communities for the disability equality charity, said: "The lockdowns, combined with the current cost of living crisis, have been a monumental disaster for the high street and people’s spending power.  

"Our new research shows charity shops have never been needed more than now."