Rise in ethical clothing sales

Sales of ethical clothing have risen by 79% in 2007 compared with last year, but sales from charity shops have declined.

According to the Co-operative Bank's Ethical Consumerism Report 2007, the increase in sales of ethical clothing is due to some shoppers abandoning value purchases on the basis that low cost is associated with poor labour conditions in supplier countries.

But while the overall ethical market continues to grow, with sales of ethical clothing up 79% on last year, the report shows that sales from charity shops fell by 13%, with value clothing retailers and a growth in internet sales of second-hand goods blamed for the decline.

The Co-op said the total ethical clothing market in Britain is now estimated to be worth £32.3 billion, up 9% on last year.