Selfridges poll says Gen Z shoppers have eco-focus, Depop space adapts

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Sep 13, 2019

Selfridges is continuing its drive for sustainability and the Depop space, which is resident in the London flagship until October, is this month focusing on an eco theme called Recreate the New: Fashioned for the Planet.

This is built around sustainability, featuring sellers “who advocate for reducing fashion’s global impact and reflect Selfridges’ prioritisation of providing sustainable and ethical fashion choices for its shoppers.”

The theme comes as a new study by the retailer reveals Gen Z’s purchasing decisions are increasingly based on sustainability concerns. 

It commissioned OnePoll to speak to 2,000 female and male respondents aged 18+, most of whom believe that retailers have a strong responsibility to be more sustainable and to help educate consumers on the subject.

Some 63% of Gen Z shoppers said they were more concerned about climate change and sustainability issues than they were just a year ago. And it seems that concerns for the environment are influencing their shopping choices with 77% of this age group saying that when they’re thinking about the products they buy, their biggest environmental concern is that they want their choices to reduce waste.

Over half of those polled (58%) also said that they either often or sometimes shop for second-hand and vintage clothing.

The Depop pop-up is one of a number of existing and forthcoming activities that “reflect the store’s on-going commitment to reimagining what shopping and style might look like in response to the climate emergency.”

For this month, Depop sellers such as Sam Nowell and designer Patrick McDowell will host hands-on workshops for the public, teaching customers how to extend the life of pre-loved garments through reworking, tailoring and customisation.