Starting this month, Currys will give a proportion of every online sale of refurbished tech, across its mobile and computing categories, towards those living in digital poverty.
The technology retailer is not only on a mission to give technology a longer life, but also to help eradicate digital poverty by 2030.
Donating £1 of every refurbished phone or laptop sale online to the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) marks yet another step in Currys’ efforts to support the one in five children living in digital poverty. This comes following the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s newly published Digital Inclusion Action Plan, fully commended by Currys.
“We are thrilled to see the convergence of two of our strategic priorities: promoting the use of refurbished technology and raising funds to help tackle digital poverty,” said Paula Coughlan, chief people, communications and sustainability officer at Currys.
“By supporting this cause, we are giving tech a longer life and also ensuring that more families have access to the tech they need. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made and look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have.”
As one of the Digital Poverty Alliance’s founding partners, Currys already works closely with the DPA through its Tech4Families scheme – which helps vulnerable families in need by providing life-changing access to digital technology. So far, over 1,800 families have been provided a laptop via the initiative, thanks to the kindness of Currys customers.
The announcement follows recent research from Currys MVNO, iD Mobile, revealing that 83% of Brits believe new smartphones are too expensive, while currently less than half of Brits are willing to buy a second-hand or refurbished phone.
This unwillingness to opt for a refurbished device is often due to concerns with poor battery life and limited or lack of warranty. Currys and iD Mobile are keen to change the nation’s relationship with tech, offering 12-month warranty-assured products, phones refurbished to an excellent like-new condition, and starting this month, with any sale, £1 being donated to those living in digital poverty.
“We are so grateful for Currys’ support with this new proposition. The funds raised will make a significant difference in our efforts to provide digital access to those who need it most. This partnership is a perfect example of how businesses can help bridge the digital divide whilst also promoting sustainability,” added Elizabeth Anderson, CEO at the Digital Poverty Alliance.
The tech retailer’s recycling and refurbishment schemes are covered in detail in the Sustainability 2024 report. It is one of five retailer profiles in the report with B&Q, Coachtopia, Holland & Barrett and This is Unfolded looked at.
The Sustainability market report brings together the information from RetailX’s ecommerce market reports and performance-based ranking reports with consumer sentiment and behaviour data from ConsumerX to give a rounded view of the current state of sustainability communications and services in retail and ecommerce globally.
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