A charity shop expert has warned bargain hunters about a common habit that could lead to wasting money instead of saving it. Lissy Clow, a marketing manager and avid thrifter based in London, shared her insights on the pitfalls of second-hand shopping.
In a TikTok video, Clow described visiting a Cancer Research UK superstore in Stevenage, which she called the biggest charity shop she had ever been to. She spent around three hours browsing and purchased clothing and homeware, all under £5. However, she cautioned that the excitement of finding a deal can cloud judgment.
According to ThredUp's latest Resale Report, 58 per cent of shoppers bought second-hand clothing in 2025, with younger generations leading the trend. Clow noted that while the accessibility of second-hand shopping is wonderful, it can quietly turn bargain-hunting into a bad spending habit.
She identified several pitfalls, including chasing current trends, buying items for single occasions, and browsing aimlessly without a specific purpose. 'They go in with no focus and no idea what's missing from their wardrobe - so they end up 'saving' money on a fourth white blouse with the same collar/details as the three they already own,' she said.
Clow recommends asking whether an item is genuinely appealing or just inexpensive, and assessing whether you are responding to the price tag, brand name, or the thrill of finding a deal. She concluded: 'A bargain you'll never wear isn't a bargain. It's just cheaper clutter, and it's the fastest way to waste money while feeling like you're being savvy and shopping sustainably.'
