Reuse Charity Advocates for Secondhand Shopping Amidst Black Friday Frenzy
Published 27 November 2025
Highlights
- A reuse charity, Kennet Furniture Refurbiz (KFR), is promoting secondhand shopping over new purchases this Black Friday.
- KFR has passed on approximately 18,000 items, weighing 340 tonnes, in the past year, highlighting the environmental benefits of reuse.
- The cost of living crisis is driving more consumers to consider secondhand options as a sustainable alternative.
- The Guardian's holiday gift guide reveals popular Black Friday deals, including tech gadgets and practical gifts.
- Experts caution against mindless consumption during the holiday sales season, advocating for thoughtful purchasing decisions.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Reuse Charity Advocates for Secondhand Shopping Amidst Black Friday Frenzy
As the holiday sales season kicks off with Black Friday, a reuse charity is urging consumers to consider secondhand options as a sustainable alternative to new purchases. Kennet Furniture Refurbiz (KFR), based in Devizes, Wiltshire, is part of a national campaign called Buy Nothing New, encouraging people to rethink their shopping habits amidst the cost of living crisis.
The Rise of Secondhand Shopping
KFR has made significant strides in promoting secondhand shopping, having passed on around 18,000 items, weighing 340 tonnes, over the past year. Daniel Thompson, managing director at KFR, emphasized the growing acceptance of the reuse sector, noting that the stigma surrounding secondhand items is diminishing. "The reuse sector is growing, is rapidly more accepted into society," Thompson stated. He highlighted the environmental benefits, explaining that reusing items generates far less carbon than recycling.
Black Friday Deals and Consumer Behavior
While KFR champions sustainable consumption, Black Friday remains a major event for retailers and consumers alike. The Guardian's holiday gift guide showcases popular deals, including tech gadgets like Apple AirTags and Blink wireless smart security cameras. These items have been flying off the shelves, reflecting consumer enthusiasm for practical and innovative gifts.
Balancing Savings and Sustainability
Jen Gale, a sustainability advocate from Warminster, Wiltshire, acknowledges that Black Friday can offer financial savings for specific items. However, she warns against the pitfalls of mindless consumption, which can lead to unnecessary purchases. "It becomes problematic when it's really just encouraging us to consume and to buy things that we didn't know we wanted," Gale remarked.
Expanding Reuse Initiatives
In response to growing demand, KFR has expanded its operations, partnering with other charities for house clearances and collaborating with local councils to provide essential items to those in need. This initiative helped nearly 700 households last year, demonstrating the social impact of secondhand shopping.
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Scenario Analysis
As the cost of living crisis continues to affect consumers, the appeal of secondhand shopping is likely to grow, potentially reshaping consumer behavior during the holiday sales season. If more people embrace sustainable consumption, it could lead to a significant reduction in environmental impact. However, the allure of Black Friday deals remains strong, and retailers will need to balance consumer demand with ethical considerations. Experts suggest that thoughtful purchasing decisions could mitigate the negative effects of excessive consumption, fostering a more sustainable future.
As the holiday sales season kicks off with Black Friday, a reuse charity is urging consumers to consider secondhand options as a sustainable alternative to new purchases. Kennet Furniture Refurbiz (KFR), based in Devizes, Wiltshire, is part of a national campaign called Buy Nothing New, encouraging people to rethink their shopping habits amidst the cost of living crisis.
The Rise of Secondhand Shopping
KFR has made significant strides in promoting secondhand shopping, having passed on around 18,000 items, weighing 340 tonnes, over the past year. Daniel Thompson, managing director at KFR, emphasized the growing acceptance of the reuse sector, noting that the stigma surrounding secondhand items is diminishing. "The reuse sector is growing, is rapidly more accepted into society," Thompson stated. He highlighted the environmental benefits, explaining that reusing items generates far less carbon than recycling.
Black Friday Deals and Consumer Behavior
While KFR champions sustainable consumption, Black Friday remains a major event for retailers and consumers alike. The Guardian's holiday gift guide showcases popular deals, including tech gadgets like Apple AirTags and Blink wireless smart security cameras. These items have been flying off the shelves, reflecting consumer enthusiasm for practical and innovative gifts.
Balancing Savings and Sustainability
Jen Gale, a sustainability advocate from Warminster, Wiltshire, acknowledges that Black Friday can offer financial savings for specific items. However, she warns against the pitfalls of mindless consumption, which can lead to unnecessary purchases. "It becomes problematic when it's really just encouraging us to consume and to buy things that we didn't know we wanted," Gale remarked.
Expanding Reuse Initiatives
In response to growing demand, KFR has expanded its operations, partnering with other charities for house clearances and collaborating with local councils to provide essential items to those in need. This initiative helped nearly 700 households last year, demonstrating the social impact of secondhand shopping.
What this might mean
As the cost of living crisis continues to affect consumers, the appeal of secondhand shopping is likely to grow, potentially reshaping consumer behavior during the holiday sales season. If more people embrace sustainable consumption, it could lead to a significant reduction in environmental impact. However, the allure of Black Friday deals remains strong, and retailers will need to balance consumer demand with ethical considerations. Experts suggest that thoughtful purchasing decisions could mitigate the negative effects of excessive consumption, fostering a more sustainable future.
