The milestone follows an expansion of Suez’s re-use estate, which increased from 33 to 43 shops over the course of 2025.
New outlets opened in Aberdeen, Cornwall, Southend and Teesside, with the company expecting the network to exceed 50 sites across the UK.
John Scanlon, Executive Vice President UK, Suez and Chief Executive Officer at Suez recycling and recovery UK, commented: “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.”
Household goods dominate sales
Sales data indicated that smaller household items made up a significant proportion of purchases. Home accessories accounted for 95,759 items sold, making the category the most popular across the network.
Toys (41,142) and tableware (36,556) were the next most frequently purchased items, followed by home storage products (22,649) and pots and planters (22,533). Other practical goods also featured prominently, including car cleaning tools (21,635).
Leisure and hobby-related items appeared further down the list, with 19,773 golf clubs and 18,923 bicycles sold. Books (15,515), pet supplies (15,874) and home tools (15,440) were also among the most commonly purchased products.
Furniture remained a consistent element of the re-use offer, with more than 11,800 sofas and chairs and over 11,600 tables sold during the year. Outdoor furniture, gardening tools and soft furnishings also featured within the top 20 categories.
Suez said the mix of items reflected the type of material received at household waste recycling centres and suggests continued demand for low-cost, everyday household goods.
Research published by the company previously found a 24% increase in the number of people willing to buy second-hand compared with the previous year, with under-35s reported to be twice as likely to purchase pre-owned items as those aged over 55.
‘Circular economy in action’
The increase in sales coincided with the expansion of SUEZ’s re-use shop network, which grew by around one third during the year.
Many of the sites now also offer minor repair services, aimed at enabling items to be resold rather than disposed of.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh MP visited Suez’s Renew Hub in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester, during the year.
The site operates as a partnership between Suez, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and nine local authorities, and focuses on the repair and resale of items collected through household waste recycling centres.
Creagh commented: “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.”
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