In 2025, SUEZ expanded its network of re-use shops by one third, growing from 33 to 43 shops, with new outlets opening in Aberdeen, Cornwall, Southend and Teesside. This growth saw it sell over one million items across the year, with home accessories as the most popular item.
In the more than ten years since SUEZ launched its first reuse initiatives, its shops have grown in popularity, offering quality items at affordable prices that align with changing consumer preferences for buying second-hand.
By investing in retail expertise, retail point-of-sale software, and customer research, SUEZ has developed unique insights into second-hand buying habits, enabling it to drive real change across its reuse operations.
Research published by SUEZ last year ;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 as over-55s. This has driven a real-time increase in the number of reuse shops operated by SUEZ, which sat at 33 in February 2025 and will finish this year 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 reuse and repair, and driving forward 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 reuse 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 datasets allow it to track both the value placed on second-hand items and the broader social impact created through reuse, including repair and upcycling activities that help develop skills and improve well-being.
SUEZ CEO John Scanlon
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 groundbreaking operation here in Trafford Park, showcasing the art of the possible with a partnership focused on driving change.”
Caption: Minister Mary Creagh riding a bike at the Renew Hub
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