SECOND-HAND shopping is experiencing a shake up as 53 Salvation Army charity shops across Scotland receive the stamp of approval from Revolve, Scotland’s re-use quality standard scheme.
The Salvation Army is the first national chain of charity stores to be awarded the kitemark by Zero Waste Scotland, the organisation behind the Revolve certification scheme.
The certification involves adhering to rigorous quality assurance processes that guarantee customers high quality products, conforming to safety standards, as well as offering good value for money, fantastic store layout and great customer service.
Revolve is on a mission to revolutionise second hand shopping and the prestigious certification allows stores selling pre-loved goods to stand out from the crowd.
In addition to reassuring customers they are buying the best quality products, the certification process also helps improve store processes and consistency as well as providing professional retail support and advice for store staff.
The addition of the Salvation Army to the network takes the new total of Revolve certified stores across Scotland to 148.
Revolve stores are cashing in on consumers shifting attitudes towards second hand shopping with annual reported sales across the network at £36.9m prior to the addition of the Salvation Army.
Shirley Morris, Regional Manager for Scotland at The Salvation Army, said: “We’re thrilled that 53 of our Scottish stores have been Revolve certified. The quality standard scheme is a fantastic way for us to show our customers that we are a trusted seller that is committed to safety, quality and excellent customer service.
“Our shops are a fixture in the local community and we see regular customers come in expecting to find the very best of the high street under one roof.
“We’re delighted when we see them walk away with their new favourite items, for a great price too, and that has motivated us to go through the certification scheme to bring consistency throughout all our stores.”
Shirley added: “As well as promoting confidence in second hand goods, being part of a nationally recognised brand promotes our certification to a wider audience, which we hope will in turn increase footfall and sales across our stores.”
A recent survey commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, the organisation behind the Revolve standard, found that nearly half of Scots (45%) say if they can be assured of the quality, safety and cleanliness of goods, they are more likely to shop second hand.
Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland said: “The addition of the Salvation Army’s Scottish stores to our Revolve brand marks a new milestone in second hand shopping. As we aim to encourage people to buy second hand as first choice, working with such a well-loved organisation will help to increase confidence in second hand goods and the stores that supply them.
“Promotion through the Revolve brand gives customers extra reassurance when purchasing pre-loved items and with shopper habits changing to focus more on value and sustainability we urge other charity shops to get on board.”
Currently, there are 148 Revolve certified nationwide offering a wide range of pre-loved items from clothes and furniture to white goods and bikes.
Zero Waste Scotland exists to create a society where resources are valued and nothing is wasted, with the goal of helping Scotland realise the economic, environmental and social benefits of making best use of the world’s limited natural resources.
