Charity Shopping - bargains galore for 2021!

CAFCGirl

Thinking on it, perhaps it is a touch more to do with the people than the shops themselves.... Some I feel like I'm on some sort of watch list as I feel a bit 'monitored' when I'm browsing - perhaps its my general look that creates that... others, as you've all mentioned, seem happy to see everyone and have a natter (probably why they volunteer in the first place). 

Saying that, I do think that sometimes its layout/organisation as opposed to the actual building being say dark or small. Having shelves of books tucked into tiny spaces when this is where people stand still and browse seems odd to me, and not being able to move hangers on rails as they're stuffed is an irk too.

Anyway, I shall stick to where I like shopping - much as I do with full price shops LOL

Purchases to report of more books, 6 this time for Christmas sets at £1 each from BHF.

Next mission is some snuggly heavier cardigans, and a winter coat for me and DS should the Gods of Thrift Shopping bless me 

killerpeaty

I have a charity shop I don't overly like the layout as well. It feels like everything is crammed in, especially by the front door where if there are people looking at clothes you just have to wait or leave because there's no way to get around them. It infuriates as well because there's no way you would get a wheelchair through it. I may not be in a wheelchair but family members are and it's not fair for them to have to miss out on the joy of charity shops!

Also yesterday I was following the same route as these two women and their adorable dog. We exchanged meaningful looks, the dog that is. 

Lucy5781

Have had a few M&S tops all still with original tags on (clearance outlet near here so some of that comes through) but my best buy, despite maybe being a bit more than I'd really like, but was a brand new suit for DsS.

He's now 15 and at least 5'9" as he's taller than me. This was a Regular fit 38"W & 32"L trousers and a slim fit 44" chest jacket, in black.

We have my Mother in Law's stone setting (Jewish tradtion, a year after burial to bless the now installed headstone and mark the end of the mourning period) which is serving as a delayed funeral/memorial service as she passed in May 2020 so only the Rabbi, my husband, his brother and sister in law and aunt (MiL's sister) were allowed to go to the cemetary, everyone else watched on zoom. Next week is a chance for celebrating her life etc and DsS has decided he will attend, so, for the service on the cemetary grounds at least, he needs the suit. Fingers crossed he can use it through into 6th form (currently Yr10) as well though.

Hubby shaking his head at me for getting it as he was sure it would be too big. Nope, like a finger too wide where the shoulder pads are and a little long in the leg as he's wearing them sitting a bit low on top of his hips rather than right up at his waist, but, yes, it fits. Didn't really want to admit his oldest boy is that big now...

All tags still on, originally Primark, £15 trousers and £30 jacket, both for £20 in our local/county hospice shop. It's a worthy cause to be donating to though so I'm not truly bothered by it obviously.

Rosa_Damascena

Brie said:

@killerpeaty
the only JL locally is homewares only so no clothing.  And thinking about it since Debenhams, House of Fraser and BHS closed I don't think we have any similar places any more within about 30 miles.  

This is where your local chazzer can come in quite handy. If you find a Phase Eight blouse for £2-3, or a short / medium dress for a fiver its a bargain

Miró

Quickly dashed into a couple of the charity shops in Ripon on the way home on Sunday...picked up a pair of M & S BNWT navy slim fit trousers with 4 way stretch, bit overpriced at £13.99 I thought but nice quality and will be useful as walking trousers.  Today I also picked up a pair of Lands End slim fit trousers in a Black Watch tartan for £3....bit snug on the calves but that's just what I wanted to tuck into my knee length walking boots comfortably.  Also today I found a BNWT Uniqlo 'Heattech, Ultra Warm, High Neck, Long Sleeve T-shirt', for £3.50.  Had a feeling this brand was a bit pricy....when I got home and read the packaging the original price was a whopping £19.90!!.  All set for my forthcoming walking holiday in the Lakes now 

Pollycat

Hi guys
I wonder if anyone can help.

Our Mum died some days ago and we have collected her belongings from the care home.
Of course, they are all labelled with her name and our local Hospice shop won't take them.
Some good stuff, Next/M&S/Per Una tops, jackets etc.

To avoid having to ring round every local charity shop, does anyone know a national charity that will accept clothes like that please?

Brie

@Pollycat
Sorry for your loss. 

I think sometimes having to deal with all the clutter and papers is a good way to work through so much when there is a bereavement.  Maybe it's just me perhaps?  I know some people are overwhelmed if the person was a hoarder of course.

How "old" are the clothes?  In that are they for an elderly person or could they be worn by someone much younger?  If there's stuff that looks like work wear then a group that kits out people trying to get into work may be very happy to have some nice stuff.  Some times these scheme work in conjunction with food banks so that might be a local place to google.

I've never noticed that shops wouldn't take things with names in them - but I guess I've never waited to see if it was an issue.  MiL has/had a number of items that simply had her room number noted which is likely less problematic.  

DigForVictory

@Pollycat, I'm so sorry.  A mum has a special place in the pantheon. 
Some things do need to be done swiftly, others less urgently, so do please pace yourself & do plenty of whatever "be gentle with yourself" means. 

goldfinches

@Pollycat - I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's death, as @DigForVictory says always a significant loss.

I hadn't encountered this problem with labels before so don't really have any help for you but did not want to read and run.

Are your labels the iron-on kind or the old fashioned sewn on ones from Cash's? I'm wondering about asking a kind friend to unpick all the sewn on ones if that's the type you have, would that help?

Brie

goldfinches said:

Are your labels the iron-on kind or the old fashioned sewn on ones from Cash's? 

If they are the iron on kind would using an iron loosen them enough to be removed??  

MiL's clothes were simply written on with an indelible marker so impossible to remove unfortunately.