Niamh Mitchell
Niamh Mitchell
2 April, 2025
Shopping

Newry Shines as one of UK's top second-hand shopping destination

With average monthly searches for ‘charity shops near me’ reaching an impressive 450,000*, second-hand shopping is firmly on the rise, and as the cost of living continues to be at the forefront of many people’s minds, Brits are increasingly turning to second-hand shopping to save money while making sustainable choices.

A person looking through vintage shirts

A recent study found that 41% of UK adults now buy and wear more preloved clothing than they did two years ago, while 66% already own second-hand items.*

So, in light of this shift to more sustainable and cost-effective shopping, the experts at Moneyboat have identified the UK’s top locations for second-hand shopping, ranking cities based on the availability of second-hand stores, vintage shops, charity shops, and online listings.

The UK’s Top Thrifting Hotspots

Using a scoring system that analysed the number of second-hand, vintage, and charity shops per 100,000 people, as well as Gumtree listings, Moneyboat identified the thriftiest locations in the UK. The top-ranking towns and cities are:

Rank City Population Second Hand Stores per 100k Vintage Stores per 100k Charity Shops per 100k Gumtree listings per 100k Total Score
1 Ballymena 29,551 57.5 23.7 37.2 6,629.2 83.97
2 Dumfries 49,221 20.3 28.4 26.4 1,046.3 71.82
3 Newry 26,967 40.8 18.5 40.8 6,441.2 69.85
4 Lisburn 45,370 33.1 17.6 46.3 7,584.3 68.16
5 Perth 47,430 44.3 21.1 23.2 7,632.3 66.34
6 Rhyl 25,149 39.8 15.9 35.8 1,041.8 61.99
7 Shrewsbury 71,715 43.2 19.5 19.5 2,790.2 60.97
8 Stirling 37,610 63.8 10.6 26.6 6,011.7 56.86
9 Scarborough 61,749 50.2 14.6 19.4 1,141.7 54.79
10 Bury 78,723 25.4 14 36.8 3,579.6 53.36

Ballymena, Newry & Lisburn Shine as Top Second-Hand Shopping Destinations

Three Northern Irish towns have secured spots in the UK's top ten destinations for second-hand shopping, highlighting the region’s thriving thrifting culture. Ballymena takes the crown as the UK’s number one thrifty city, boasting an impressive number of second-hand, vintage, and charity shops per capita, as well as a strong online resale presence. Newry, ranking third, offers an excellent mix of preloved fashion and sustainable shopping options, making it a prime destination for bargain hunters. Meanwhile, Lisburn claims fourth place, standing out for its high concentration of charity shops and thriving second-hand scene. With affordability and sustainability driving shopping habits, these three towns are proving that Northern Ireland is a true hotspot for thrifting enthusiasts.

Best Big Cities for Thrift Shopping

For those in larger cities, Moneyboat also ranked the best urban destinations for thrifting:

Rank City Population Second Hand Stores Vintage Stores Charity Shops Gumtree listings Total Score
1 London 8,817,000 76 114 54 230,701 93.93
2 Glasgow 621,020 60 32 71 49,008 58.16
3 Edinburgh 488,100 66 39 52 28,117 56.56
4 Bristol 467,099 63 43 29 34,446 49.07
5 Sheffield 582,506 48 27 53 14,060 45.35
6 Manchester 547,627 32 34 52 66,058 42.54
7 Birmingham 1,141,816 33 26 55 47,891 40.42
8 Liverpool 494,814 42 26 46 17,014 40.33
9 Wirral 320,295 51 6 54 1,827 37.46
10 Belfast 345,418 56 14 39 8,533 37.38

London is a thrifter’s paradise, offering everything from high-end vintage in Shoreditch and Notting Hill to more affordable charity shops in Camden and Dalston. The city’s diverse second-hand scene caters to every budget and style, making it a go-to destination for bargain hunters and fashion enthusiasts.

Glasgow has built a strong reputation for second-hand fashion, with hidden gems scattered across the West End, a variety of city-centre vintage stores, and sprawling charity shops where shoppers can uncover designer bargains at a fraction of the price.

Further north, Edinburgh blends historic charm with an impressive thrift scene, featuring boutique vintage stores along Grassmarket and second-hand havens in Stockbridge. Bristol, known for its commitment to sustainable shopping, boasts a thriving independent vintage scene, particularly in Stokes Croft and along Gloucester Road. Manchester, another hotspot for second-hand shopping, offers everything from retro finds in the Northern Quarter to student-friendly charity stores in Fallowfield, making it an ideal destination for those seeking stylish, affordable fashion.

Expert Tips for Successful Thrift Shopping

For those looking to embrace second-hand shopping, Moneyboat provides key advice:

  • Inspect items carefully – Check seams, zippers, and fabric quality to avoid hidden damage or wear.
  • Visit stores frequently – Stock turnover is high, especially in bigger cities or more popular areas so regular visits may increase your chances of finding unique gems.
  • Know the best times to shop – Weekdays and early mornings often offer the best selection and time to browse without having to brush elbows with too many people.
  • Follow your favourite shops on social media – Many second-hand stores post about new arrivals, vintage stores in particular will usually post or model any new items that come in.
  • Be open-minded – Sizes and styles vary, so explore different sections, including men's, women's, and even children's for hidden finds.

For more insights on second-hand shopping and money-saving tips, visit: https://www.moneyboat.co.uk/blog/best-places-in-the-uk-for-second-hand-shopping/