Ella Hewitt, a 24-year-old from Liverpool, reported spending up to £700 a month on fast fashion due to a shopping addiction that developed in 2021. She stated, "I didn't grow up with much money, so when I got a job I would spend my wages as soon as they hit my account." She noted that social media contributed to her impulse purchases, often made when she felt tired or bored. To manage her spending, she implemented strategies such as creating a wish list and waiting 30 days before making purchases. This approach led to a 60% reduction in her spending.
Dish Patel, 23, from London, experienced similar challenges, maxing out her £2,500 overdraft while spending on clothes and food as a student. She described the temporary joy of receiving new items, which quickly faded. To combat her spending, she deleted shopping apps from her phone and left her bank cards at home, opting for pre-planned expenses. She also committed to saving an equivalent amount whenever she wanted to make a purchase.
The Ukat Group, which operates addiction treatment centers, reported an increase in shopping addiction cases, with 90% of those affected being women. Signs of shopping addiction include feeling guilt after purchases and lying about spending habits. Experts suggest strategies for managing shopping urges, such as waiting 48 hours before buying, deleting shopping apps, and knowing personal triggers. Research indicates that Gen Z shoppers make more impulse purchases than other age groups, influenced by social media and targeted advertising. The BBC has reached out to Meta for comment regarding the impact of their platforms on shopping behaviors.