Parents find lifeline in 50p kids' clothes shop

Bristol families are increasingly turning to second-hand children's clothing as the cost of living crisis puts growing pressure on budgets, with one shop seeing demand surge.

Kids Stuff, based in Bedminster, began as a once a month pop-up shop in late 2024, after being inspired by a similar project in Stroud, Gloucestershire, but demand means it may open five days a week by the end of 2026.

Founder Kyle Henderson-Begg said: "We believe that raising a family shouldn't cost the earth and we're here to support local families and build community."

The cost of everyday children's clothing has risen by at least 30% since 2021, according to the Consumer Price Index data.

Henderson-Begg said Kids Stuff tries to keep prices as accessible as possible, with baby clothes starting at 50p per item, rising to a few pounds for older children.

He added that customers disliked the "gamble" of buying bundles of clothing from second-hand sites, where there is always a question over quality.

"Here it's all laid out. They can have a look at it, they can have a rummage."

Alongside clothing, families can also access a "pay what you can" hot meal while children use a soft play area, creating a space that is as much about community as it is about affordability.

Kids Stuff also works with referral organisations helping families in crisis, including women escaping domestic abuse and refugees.

Henderson-Begg estimates that around 10 new families are referred each month.

Instead of receiving a pre-selected clothing bundle they are given a voucher they can spend as they wish.

"It means parents and primary carers can come in and have the dignity of choosing the clothes that they want for their kids," he said.

For some parents, even traditional ways of saving money are no longer as accessible as they once were.

Mum-of-two Hannah Jones said rising costs were being felt across the board, including in charity shops.

"A lot of the charity shops around here, I think maybe because of the cost of living or rents, the prices are really expensive," she said.

"Here, it's old-school prices and actually it's more realistic and affordable. I really enjoy coming here - you get way more for your money."

Tabitha Hubbard, who was browsing for her seven month old son Wilfred, said: "Clothing out on the high street is so expensive and you can't really afford that when you've got all the other things to pay for."

She said sustainability was also a major factor.

"I don't want to buy new things that he's only going to wear for a few months or a few weeks," she said.

"I just think fast fashion, we don't need it. We were all brought up in jumble sale clothes and it doesn't matter if they get dirty that way either."

Mum-of -three Ruby Blaken founded Second Snuggle in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, and has built a business based on pre-loved children's items.

Here are her top tips for keeping costs down.

• Embrace second hand: If you have a mental map of your local charity shops, baby banks and community groups, you will know where to look "before you spend money you do not need to spend".

• Buy ahead when you can: "If you spot a good coat, wellies, pyjamas or basics in the next size up, it can save you panic buying new when the season changes or your child suddenly grows," .

• Choose "hard working" garments: Items like leggings, plain tops, cardigans and dungarees: "These can be worn again and again, layered up, passed between children or resold afterwards."

• Question fast fashion: Blaken said mass-produced items can feel like the cheapest options, but will often shrink, fade or wear out quickly, making them less cost-effective over time.

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