Fashion’s hidden treasure trove
If you’ve had a bit of extra time over lockdown, and put it to good use by sorting out your wardrobe, the chances are you will have some clothes looking for a good home.
Which means there has never been a better time to visit your local charity shop.
The pandemic has left many charities struggling to raise funds, so not only are you doing your bit to help by donating old clothes, you may even find a brilliant bargain yourself now high street stores are reopening.
If your charity shop isn’t open yet, then you can also ebay unwanted items and give a percentage – or all – of the sale to charity via the online selling site.
And charity shops are adapting all the time, with some such as Oxfam now running online stores – meaning you can shop for secondhand looks from high street favourites – including Topshop and White Stuff – from the comfort of your own home.
The website also has a designer section, with big name buys including Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and Ralph Lauren. Visit oxfam.org.uk/shop for more information.
However, if your favourite charity shop is open again, this is your chance to hunt for fashion gold – it’s there to be found if you know where to look. Here Linsey White, content specialist for charity DEBRA (debra.org.uk) reveals her top tips on how to bag a bargain...
1 Plan ahead Charity shops receive donations daily, so there is a constant turnover of new stock. Monday and Tuesday are generally quieter days, so try and visit then and you’ll be one step ahead to bag a bargain and avoid the crowds.
2 Set time aside Charity shopping is not for people in a hurry. It takes dedication, patience and time. So before you set off to find a vintage wardrobe dream or pre-loved jewellery gem, ensure you have at least two hours in your schedule to hunt through the clothes rails, book shelves and shoe collections.
3 Make friends with shop staff
They are always happy to help out, have an eye for a hidden gem and really value regular shoppers, so always stop and say hello.
Let them know what you are looking for and the type of style you like. They’ll remember you and be sure to let you know when that silk scarf or handbag you’re after hits the shelves.
4 Don’t play it safe Be brave and rummage through the box of hats, belts, ties and scarves. It may feel like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack but this is exactly how hidden treasure is found.
5 Shop unisex Great men’s jeans, pre-loved Converse and Nike trainers or tailored jackets may just as easily be hiding in another section of the charity shop floor.
Clothes always get put back in the wrong place so keep your eyes wide open and leave no stone unturned during your visit.
Finding a gem in charity shop takes patience – so leave yourself at least two hours