One million pre-loved items sold through SUEZ's growing network of Re-use Shops in 2025
In the more than ten years since SUEZ launched its first re-use initiatives, its shops have grown in popularity, offering quality items at affordable prices that align with changing consumer preferences for buying second-hand.
Through investing in retail expertise, retail point of sale software and customer research, SUEZ has developed unique insights into second-hand buying habits that have allowed it to drive real change across its re-use operations.
Research published by SUEZ last year1, showed a 24% increase in the number of people willing to buy second-hand compared to the year before, with under-35s twice as likely to buy second-hand than over-55s. This has driven a real time increase in the number of re-use shops operated by SUEZ, which sat at 33 in February 2025 and this year will finish at more than 50 across the UK, many of which now also offer minor repair services.
During a visit to its industry-leading Renew Hub in Greater Manchester, a partnership between SUEZ, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and nine local councils, which launched in 2021, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh MP witnessed first-hand the art of the possible in relation to re-use and repair, and driving forwards the circular economy.
Circular Economy Minister, Mary Creagh said: "We are determined to end the throwaway society and help families save money by purchasing quality pre-loved products, like toys, furniture and bikes.
"SUEZ’s growing network of re-use shops, which I saw in Manchester, shows how we can make things good as new with TLC and glue and sell them at great low prices.
"This is the circular economy in action."
In 2025, amongst the one million items sold across SUEZ’s network of shops, the most popular items included home accessories, toys, tableware, home storage, pots and planters, car cleaning tools, golf clubs, bikes, pet supplies, and books.
SUEZ’s unique data sets allow it to track both the value placed on second-hand items and the broader social impact created through re-use, including repair and up-cycling activities that help develop skills and improve well-being.
John Scanlon, Executive Vice President UK, SUEZ and Chief Executive Officer at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: “Having pioneered re-use at recycling centres over a decade ago, the rise in popularity of the shops is no surprise to us. What it has done, is made us look at things differently, bringing in different skill sets as we push to innovate and expand our re-use and repair offer.
It’s been a privilege to show Minister Creagh our ground breaking operation here in Trafford Park, showcasing the art of the possible with a partnership focused on driving change.”