'Credit Crunch' Shops? (General Charity Shops)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	General Charity Shops
Date:	31/10/08 (213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Diverse range of clothes, books, etc. Some new items make good gifts. Supporting charities

Disadvantages: Hit & miss as to whether clothes will be in your size, some prices similar to Primark

Where can you find a diverse range of fashion, different styles and sizes, one-off unique pieces, rare & popular books, unusual trinkets/antiques and jewellery? Charity shops! I used to love having a browse around charity shops to see what goodies were inside because you never know what you're going to find! That said, I wouldn't go if I had something particular in mind I wanted because chances are I wouldn't find it, but you can often come across something that catches you eye.

I can't find much of late because I'm 5'4" and most trousers seem to be made for giants, and after losing weight find childrens sizes/petite ranges to be the only way I can find clothes to fit. Charity shops will have a good range of sizes, it's just luck as to whether that item you like is in your size. Sometimes clothes will be good as new, though a lot will have been worn previously and show signs of use. I did a volunteer induction at a charity shop not long ago and got an insight into how they pick and choose what goes on the shop floor. I was surprised to find how many huge black bags were out the back, filled to the brim with bits & bobs. Staff will use their own initiative as to whether items are of good enough quality for sale, and should usually steam clothing before putting in the shop. You wont find, (or shouldn't find!), things like pants because that's unhygenic, but tops/jackets/trousers/shoes/bags/scarfs/skirts etc are all welcomed. If buttons are missing or items are ripped/torn they shouldn't make it onto the rails, so generally things you come across should be fairly good quality.

Books can be very varied, from fiction/non-fiction, to biograhies, lesser known and popular titles. Most people will read a book once and put it on a bookshelf to gather dust, so giving it to charity is a good way to recycle. Some will be excellent condition, but others will have slightly yellowed/crinkled pages and covers, but at cheaper prices if you only want to read it yourself once or twice it's a good option.

Shops usually have a range of VHS, CDs and DVDs and sometimes some small electrical appliances, though some charities specify that they do not sell these as they require regulatory checks beforehand to ensure they work. Because they legally require checks though, if you come across something electrical you should be able to buy in confidence that you haven't bought a bag of nails!

There's often a small section for jewellery which is a good place to pick up beads, more vintage and unique items if you look hard enough. Some charities sell new products at higher prices which is a way of giving someone, or yourself, a gift and donating to charity at the same time.

Depending on which shop you go in, there are occasionally home furnishings for sale. I've seen a few sofas around, but it's personal choice as to whether you'd feel comfortable with a used sofa in your front room (bearing in mind the shops I've found these in have been fairly messy and a tad smelly). On the shelves you'll usually find some nice trinkets and ornamental items which would make good presents. Childrens toys are often sold too, just make sure that what you're buying is in working condition and complete.

Prices can vary in charity shops. I'm not sure exactly how much money goes where from their profits, but I'd like to think most of it goes to the right places. You can pick up items at good prices, though when it comes to clothing you may be able to get new products in cheaper stores like Primark, and pay ever so slightly more for a wider range of styles/colours/sizes. Charity shops are great when you come across something 'different' that you perhaps couldn't fall upon in the highstreet, or a good quality item at a great price, though some things I think are slightly pricey. That is only when considering they get hundreds of donations, all for free. I've seen 'sale' rails in some shops, which I never thought you'd get in a charity shop, and actually found a great top on sale once for £1.25, in my size and great condition! The key is to take your time and browse around.

The shops themselves can vary in size and overall 'niceness'. I've been in some that have been small and not so nice (like I mentioned earlier, a bit smelly). I don't turn my nose up and things and am not ashamed to say I look in charity shops now and again, but you may sometimes get the feeling that some items are a bit dirty and not so great. Shops generally have a changing room, which may just be a small inlet with a curtain (not great for privacy but better than nothing). Service at the till is a hit and miss. At my local charity shop there's a woman currently working there who's snappy and quite rude, but I've been to shops where they've been lovely and very helpful.

Do check out the returns policy which is usually printed out and stuck up by the till. Charity shops usually offer exachange only within 28 days, rather than a refund.

Overall, I wouldn't go to a charity shop if I had something in particular in mind. I don't do my usual clothes/gift shopping in charity shops either, but I like to have a look every now and again and have a browse around :o)

Summary: Worth a browse around because you never know what you'll come across