A charity shop in Bury has reported a rise in customers amid the cost of living crisis.

Research from disability equality charity Scope, which has an outlet at The Rock, has found that the rising costs are forcing people to shop in charity shops more.

Many coming through the doors are first time shoppers too.

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The survey that Scope carried out asked 2,000 people about their charity shop habits and found that 52 per cent said the current financial pressures prompted them to shop in charity shops.

It also found that 15 per cent of people agreed that since the cost of living crisis they have gone into charity shops more, 11 per cent are shopping into such store for the first time and 68 per cent say they play a vital role on the high street.

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Scope shop manager in Bury, Angela Dickinson, said: “I’ve noticed so many more young customers come into our shop, over last year.

“Many are students from our local college, some are definitely TikTokers and YouTubers and they love finding a brilliant bargain.

“They also love that they’re doing their part to help the environment by supporting in our charity shop.

“Another development I’ve seen since the cost of living crisis began, is we’re increasingly becoming a destination point for our older customers on Bury’s market days, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

“We’re totally rushed off our feet, which is fantastic for us and for Scope."

The shop also offers social benefits for visitors.

Ms Dickinson added: “They come into us first to do a spot of shopping and have a chat with our team before they head off to visit the other charity shops.

“It feels like we set them up for their regular trips to the town.

“I know some of our customers experience isolation and they say we’re the only people they can have a proper chat with as we’re all so friendly and always have time to talk.

“Above all, our shop is a safe place for everyone where they can be themselves.”

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