But there is a shift happening in these online conversations. While negative conversations outnumber positive ones, the gap between positive and negative mentions has recently widened. In the last 6 months, positive mentions have decreased by 9%, while negative mentions have increased by 6%. The May 2020 consumer survey shows that 24% of people are buying more from small shops and independent retailers, and 18% are buying more from their local high street (28% in London), and many want to carry on doing so moving forward. People used to shop in stores; swiping through hangers, trying on clothes, and being surprised by what looked good on them. Now, clothing is a 2×4 digital image that you scroll past, worn by someone who isn’t you, in a color that isn’t accurate, in a fashion that invites no spontaneity. Our infinity makes us so limited. Profiteering energy companies should also contribute via a windfall tax. We are doing all we can and call for others with influence to do the same."

The point is not that you can’t have any fun, shop, or ever treat yourself to something new. It’s not about placing such tight restrictions on yourself that it adds stress and unhappiness to your life. Make sure you have used up or worn out what you already have before buying more. This will help eliminate duplicates that add clutter to your home. 12. Practice the “one in, one out” rule Women usually love what they buy, yet hate two-thirds of what is in their closets. - Mignon McLaughlin “

Final thoughts

I love vintage shopping; I think it’s really fun. And I love the feeling of finding the most amazing piece for less. Learning to shop like a minimalist takes effort and intention. But the rewards and benefits of minimalism will make it all worth it!

Minimalism is not just about our stuff, it’s about our values and priorities and being mindful of our choices, actions and decisions in every aspect of life, from what’s in our homes, to what clutters our schedule, takes up bandwidth in our brains and so much more besides.

Go to the WilkoHaveYourSay Survey – Wilko Insiders at www.Yourwinningthoughts.com or www.Wilkohaveyoursay.com . But even though The Book Hive and stores like it have found a way to enable customers to browse at least a little in the wake of Covid-19, will they even want to? If the pleasure of browsing is in looking, touching and, often, walking out intentionally empty handed, then a substitute for browsing in a pre-coronavirus world may not pass muster.

I don’t like grocery shopping. It’s the same thing over and over every week. I’d like to make enough money, one day, that someone else would do it for me. Do you have to be rich for that? Christmas Shopping: Wouldn't it be wonderful to find one gift that you didn't have to dust, that had to be used right away, that was practical, fit everyone, was personal, and would be remembered for a long time? I penciled in ‘Gift certificate for a flu shot.’...” Be it the pop-culture portrayal or the never-ending sales, no one leaves a store with just a loaf of bread. Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it can surely get you started on fashion. While you’rein the town centre, visit Bobby’s– Bournemouth’s fabulous new destination store in the square with a beauty hall housing theglobal brands that we all know and love as well as a dedicated section for local, sustainable and conscious beauty and health products. There’s also Drool – a store dedicated to man’s best friend. Remember the “one in, one out” rule from above? Decide what you will get rid of to make room for the new item you are purchasing.

Trend 1: Sustainability becomes harder to prioritize – yet it remains important 

That place of balance is where “enough” is for you, not too little or too much. It is a place where your life is simplified and minimized to the point where you only keep the things in your home you use regularly and love. Deciding What Adds Value to Your Life Getting to Bournemouth is easy. We have excellent public transport links and ample parking. Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth… a perfect place to stay by the sea… As I stare at it, I can feel little invisible strings, silently tugging me toward it. I have to touch it. I have to wear it. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. - Rebecca Bloomwood, Confessions of a Shopaholic Everybody loves a Maccies and a Greggs but for your four McDonald's visits a month, replace one with a visit to a small independent place," she said. I get my clothes from three sources: Target, thrift shops, and friends. It’s simple, and it’s cheap.