Shops across Scotland that put second hand items to good use have asked for members of the public to stop leaving items outside stores
Shops which normally take second hand items and put them to good use have asked for donations to be halted for now.
Revolve stores across Scotland have come together to ask members of the public not to leave donations outside their doors, or by clothing banks, while lockdown restrictions are in place.
Shopping second hand is usually a way to stop pre-loved items from being wasted, but with all stores currently closed any donations cannot be collected. This means that items left by well-meaning members of the public are often damaged by the elements and cannot be resold. Unfortunately, when products are not in a saleable condition stores often have to pay for them to be disposed of.
Awarded by Zero Waste Scotland, the Revolve certification is Scotland’s guarantee for pre-loved items, which gives shoppers the confidence that they can find quality goods and excellent service when shopping second hand. Organisations with shops that hold the status include Sense Scotland and the Salvation Army.
With many people across Scotland having a clear out at home during the lockdown, Revolve is echoing sentiments raised by partners, and asking the public to keep donations safe until stores reopen.
Catherine Bozec, consumer campaigns manager for Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Our network of Revolve stores across Scotland rely on donations to keep their shelves stocked, however in these unprecedented times all stores are currently closed in line with government advice.
“Items sold in Revolve stores have been assessed for quality, meaning all products are of a good standard, just like buying new. Sadly, when donations are left outside stores, they are subject to the elements which means they do not pass quality or safety checks and are often not salvable. Due to the stores being closed, no one is on the premises to collect donations.
“We would strongly urge anyone considering making a donation to a Revolve store at the moment to please wait until stores reopen.”
By keeping items in good use for longer, people can save themselves money and help the environment. Revolve stores ensure valuable resources can be reused – extending their life, supporting local communities and protecting the environment.
