Second hand sustainability: Why charity shops are in fashion

The environment, the economy or simply the desire to bag a bargain.

There are many reasons why charity shops across Northern Ireland are enjoying a surge in popularity.

One outlet in County Tyrone has reported a 25% rise in sales and donations are up by almost a third on last year.

Stephen Brown, from the Drop Inn shop in Cookstown, said public perceptions about shopping in charity shops were changing.

“I think the charity shop stigma has gone away in recent years,” he told BBC News NI.

“You have more people interested in the recycling and re-using element of clothes these days, it’s moved away from the jumble sale type thing, to charity shops being more fashion orientated.”