FOI reference: FOI-2025-2870
You asked
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
I would like to request the following information:
1. The percentage of people who shopped for second-hand items online for every year from 2017 to 2024, categorised by age group (16-34 and 35+)
2. The percentage of people who shopped at charity shops online for every year from 2017 to 2024, categorised by age group (16-34 and 35+)
3. The total earnings from sales in online charity shops from 2017 to 2024.
We said
Thank you for your request.
Unfortunately, we do not hold the information you have requested. While we may have data of sales from charity shops from our Retail Sales Index and/or any other business survey, these would be grouped with other business within the relevant Standard Industrial Classification. Additionally, although we collect detailed information of the item/service purchased from our Living Costs and Food survey, this predominantly relates to the classification of the purchase, according to Categories of Expenditure (COICOP), and the amount paid. We do not have details of whether the item was purchased second hand or whether the purchase was online or not. We also do not collect details of the value of sales from particular types of shops.
Therefore the level of detail you have requested is not available. We are sorry we cannot be of more assistance in this case.