Dr Banardos

My friend is moving into her own flat and needed some furniture, so we decided to pop into the Barnardos charity shop in Sunderland and see if they had anything useful for her. I wasn't sure what to expect really, I did used to work in a charity shop so I know that you can get some really fantastic donations and also some pretty awful stuff. We saw a sofa in the window which looked really nice and was reasonably priced at just £60. We had a closer look and it was just as nice as we had thought, not at all worn or threadbare. There were a couple of marks on one of the arms but they looked as though they would come off and she had intended to clean the sofa ...  Read the complete review

where I live we have six charity shops so it is great ti spend an hour or so having a good look round for bargains! they DO vary though as some are quite tatty but the latest to be opened is Dr Banardos which is very smart indeed! It is not the biggest of shops but is very well laid out so items are easy to find. There are mostly clothes,shoes and handbags for sale and if you look carefully some are brand new and at bargain prices. The clothes are colour-coordinated on the rails so it is easy ro mix and match the styles. the staff are very pleasant and helpful and always seem to be working hard! The bric a brac and household section is well worth a ...  Read the complete review

My mother in law (hereafter known as MIL) is the manageress of a Barnados shop. She's the generous type so, like her greedy children, I've learned to visit her at work "just to say hello", pick something up and say "oooh that's nice" and then put it down again. Then be given it a few days later. I know, I'm terrible. Although many of us know about charity shops and their wonderful bargains, many don't. Many people cringe at the thought of buying used clothes. Many people wouldn't dream of entering a charity shop "'cos they're dirty and smelly and full of old women and you don't know where the ...  Read the complete review

The thing I love about charity shops is that you never know what you will find and if you’re lucky you will find something quite unique and no before you think it I don’t mean that bag lady look! However, some of the charity shops in my area stock clothes that would only be fit to use as dusters. Our local Barnados (Eastend, Glasgow) is refreshingly different and the clothes and other items on sale are of a much better quality. I bought my husband a lovely denim Ted Baker Shirt that looked like new for just £8.00 and a nice Head jacket for £5.00. It is also great for children’s clothes and I have bought many items for our nine-month ...  Read the complete review

I know that Christmas is only 5 months away, but i think this must be a first (or is it), i went into my local Dr Banardos last thursday and i could not believe it on sale where Christmas Trees,i think it is ridiculous i had my little grandaughter with me and the first thing she said was,when is Father Chritmas coming nanny?. Try and explain that it is still 5 months away to a 5 year old. I think all the stores should start being realistic don,t you? I am expecting to see Easter Eggs in the shops next week, i would love to hear from all us Dooyooers when the first egg hits the shop, keep your eyes open shoppers. ...  Read the complete review