Can giving away items encourage people back to the high street? It may sound bizarre but this is exactly what is happening in Wrexham to try and boost the local economy. But is it working? Well so far, so good.
A stall in the People’s Market in Wrexham, known as the “free shop” which is run by a group of volunteers, invites people to choose from a variety of donated goods and simply take the ones they like.
Many people think there is a catch, after all not many things in life are free, but this stall is one of those rare occurrences. Speaking of how customers react to the stall, Gay Jacobsen, a volunteer, said:
“A lot of people say, ‘how much is it?’ We say ‘it’s free’ and they say ‘what do you mean it’s free?’ They think there must be a catch – they really can’t get their heads around it.
“After that they smile, and often ask if we want a donation. I always say, ‘it’s up to you’. It makes them want to put donations in.”
Once people get their heads around the concept, they in turn do their bit to keep the stall stocked up, bringing in their unwanted items.
“You watch people come in for a few weeks with trolleys, filling them. Then it just starts coming back the other way. It’s interesting to watch. We get stuff every day. I can’t get in the door some days,” Gay added.
When people receive a free unexpected item, they feel a warm glow inside which makes them feel good, which kicks starts the buying process it is claimed.
Dr Gareth Harvey, a consumer psychologist at the Glyndwr University in Wrexham, said: “If you receive something that’s unexpected you receive a positive boost to your self-esteem. It’s a mood effect, a positive effect.
“Happy people have a tendency to buy more, so there’s a potentially good effect on the neighbouring shops.”
Wrexham is the first to trial the “free shop” and has been doing so since November 2012. But as it is proving successful, more towns could roll out the concept. Should eBay be worried? Let’s watch this space.
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