Why I love Second-Hand September (and what it’s taught me about business)

If you know me, you’ll know I love a good bargain. Charity shops, online marketplaces, second-hand rails - that’s where I get a real buzz. There’s something so satisfying about finding a unique piece at a fraction of the price, and it’s even better when I know I’m giving something a second life rather than buying new. With Oxfam encouraging us to celebrate all things second-hand with  #SecondHandSeptember this month, it feels like the perfect time to share why shopping second-hand isn’t just fun, it’s meaningful too.

The Joy of the Hunt

For me, buying second-hand is about more than saving money (though I’ll admit I get a huge sense of achievement when I find something fabulous at a bargain price). It’s the thrill of the hunt, spotting the hidden gem that others might have overlooked. There’s a creativity to it: seeing potential in something, imagining how it could work and then making it your own.

It’s a little like business, really. Success often comes from being resourceful, adaptable, and willing to look at things differently. Just as the perfect jacket might be hidden at the back of a rail, sometimes the best solutions in business are found where you least expect them. Of course the key to it all is patience – and being willing to put in the extra graft!

Good for the Planet, Good for the Pocket

There’s also the environmental side. Fast fashion has a huge impact on our planet, and choosing second-hand is one way to reduce waste and reuse what’s already out there. It feels good knowing that, in a small way, I’m contributing to sustainability while still enjoying fashion. Add to that the fact that charity shop purchases support worthwhile causes, and it’s a win-win all round.

From a business perspective, there’s a lesson here too: sustainability and responsibility matter. Just as consumers are more conscious about where their clothes come from, employees and clients are increasingly looking to work with (and for!) businesses that care about people, communities and the planet.

It’s particularly the case now as GenZ enters the workplace: according to Deloitte, 70% of Gen Z jobseekers consider a company’s environmental sustainability credentials important when choosing an employer, with 20% of younger workers having already changed jobs because of environmental concerns. Definitely something for us all to think about in our recruitment strategies and Employee Value Position.

A Talking Point in Business

On the fun side, my fashion finds have often become the topic of conversation on video calls with clients. A colourful blouse, a quirky necklace, or a bold print can spark a laugh or a story before we even get down to business. It’s a lovely reminder that work doesn’t always have to be serious — we’re all human, and it’s the little things that often help us connect.

So this #SecondHandSeptember, I’ll be continuing my love affair with charity shops and pre-loved bargains. For me, it’s not just about clothes — it’s about creativity, sustainability, and connection. And those same values are what I bring to Ambition HR: looking at things differently, making the most of what you have, and finding solutions that are practical, sustainable, and human.

And if my wardrobe choices bring a bit of joy to a Teams call along the way — that’s a bonus!