I recently noticed Netflix has a new documentary coming up in November 2024, The Shopping Conspiracy, which explores our obsession with consumption. It dives into how brands lure us into constant buying, the impact of this on our lives, and the global implications of our collective shopping habits. I’m keen to watch and hear more!
As if on cue, my recent trip to Bicester Village got me thinking even more deeply about how and why we shop.
Bicester was as busy as ever, even amid the current economic pressures, with shoppers browsing through the designer outlets. In the children’s section at Ralph Lauren, I saw T-shirts priced at £30 and hoodies at £50, and that was with outlet pricing! What struck me was that despite tighter budgets and rising costs of living, people still feel compelled to spend on new clothes, especially with the holiday season approaching.
With all the talk about sustainability, I wondered: why doesn’t Bicester have a pre-loved shop – even if it was a number of pop ups? With the environmental toll of fast fashion, a pre-loved option could be a great alternative and meet a growing demand for sustainable choices.
My own shopping ended up being a mix—I picked up some new homeware items but left with questions lingering. Why do we feel the urge to buy new things? Is it to feel good? For the excitement of a “bargain”? Don’t get me wrong – I am right there in it too! Is this drive to consume just part of our modern mindset?
Ultimately, I came to a balanced approach: yes, absolutely treat yourself now and then, but also look at options like pre-loved items, which can be just as enjoyable to buy. Like so much in life, finding that middle ground might be the key to a more mindful and fulfilling approach to shopping.
We’d love to know what you think.
Warm wishes,
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