MAKE SECONDHAND YOUR FIRST CHOICE Moving away from a throwaway culture is a key part of Scotland’s ambition to be a more circular economy

Buying second hand may mean a lower price but does not mean less quality, especially if you shop at one of the almost 100 Revolve stores across Scotland.

Revolve standard is given to second-hand sellers who guarantee their stock for safety and quality, while creating attractive places to shop.

In Aberdeen, the charity Somebody Cares not only has a one-stop shop filled with bargains - The Megastore - but the funds they raise have already helped thousands of families across the city.

Derek Keith, their general manager, explains why the work of the charity is so crucial.

“The poor in Aberdeen are even poorer because the cost of living in Aberdeen is so high, comparable to London, yet the benefits available are the same as elsewhere,” he says.

The fortunes of the once booming city have changed in recent years following a slump in oil prices, which have resulted in an exodus from Aberdeen.

But the waves of people leaving the city has benefited Somebody Cares, with many vacating oil workers often donating the entire contents of their households to the charity.

An increase in the buy-to-let market means there is also a higher turnover of people who need home furnishings.

As a result The Megastore, a 20,000sq ft store is a treasure trove for people looking for high quality household items at a fraction of their normal retail price.

From Chesterfields, kids clothing, toys and bedding it’s a labyrinth of merchandise of great quality for savvy shoppers.

“We’ve raised the bar as far as quality is concerned and we think people who don’t already know us will be astonished at what they can find,” adds Derek.

Around 40 per cent of the items the charity receives go into The Megastore and 60 per cent are given away to needy families.

Many of the high quality furniture items sold in The Megastore are sandblasted, striped and spray painted in a high quality finish, giving them a new lease of life.

“Why send a chest of drawers or piece of furniture to landfill when we can strip it and spray it and allow people with limited funds to buy it at a bargain price and the money we raise helps us feed and clothe kids,” says Derek. “It’s a win win situation that helps the planet and people.”

Andrew Pankhurst, Re-use Campaigns Manager for Zero Waste Scotland, which operates the Revolve certification, said: “Re-use has a key role to play for Scotland’s economy and environment, helping us get better value from products and a great deal for customers. The Revolve standard gives shoppers the assurance that items are good quality, safety-checked and from a reputable retailer, ensuring customers can shop second-hand with confidence.” %FSFL,FJUI HFOFSBM NBOBHFS PG UIF "CFSEFFO CBTFE DIBSJUZ 4PNFCPEZ $BSFT