Shop Charity in '23!

Floss

Rosa_Damascena said:

Oh no! Whilst its beautiful, the TK Maxx connection puts me right off. Its just not a store I would set foot in

You're missing some very nice & unusual home stuff then. I am currently under a HomeSense Egyptian cotton duvet cover, have several gifted HomeSense candles around my home and the china/ glass/ serveware/ cookware/ utensil offerings are fab.

Floss

Cherryfudge said:

That's interesting Rosa, I love the pretty stuff there. Not so much the clothes. I also find presents aplenty among the toiletries and housewares. May I ask why you're not keen? I hasten to add I'm not looking for an argument but quite often I'm not aware of some issue or another.  

It's like a posh B&M to me, whenever I go I never leave without something!

kboss2010

Cherryfudge said:

That's interesting Rosa, I love the pretty stuff there. Not so much the clothes. I also find presents aplenty among the toiletries and housewares. May I ask why you're not keen? I hasten to add I'm not looking for an argument but quite often I'm not aware of some issue or another.  

I’m another Homesense devotee. I understand why some people find TK Maxx messy or overwhelming, you really have to dig.

Maybe it’s just our local Homesense but it seems way better organised than TK Maxx (probably because there are fewer categories) and the stuff feels less “Leftover seconds/reduced bin” than a lot of what’s in TK Maxx. 

Cherryfudge

Floss said:

Cherryfudge said:

That's interesting Rosa, I love the pretty stuff there. Not so much the clothes. I also find presents aplenty among the toiletries and housewares. May I ask why you're not keen? I hasten to add I'm not looking for an argument but quite often I'm not aware of some issue or another.  

It's like a posh B&M to me, whenever I go I never leave without something!

LOL, great way of putting it!

I expect it varies between shops, as I'm not so much of clothes buyer I love the Homesense aspect but I only give the women's clothing section a quick glance. In addition, I don't have a local TKM so it's a bit of a treat to go there. Itf I had one on the High Street, I'd soon tire of it.

Rosa_Damascena

Cherryfudge said:

That's interesting Rosa, I love the pretty stuff there. Not so much the clothes. I also find presents aplenty among the toiletries and housewares. May I ask why you're not keen? I hasten to add I'm not looking for an argument but quite often I'm not aware of some issue or another.  

I have never found TK Maxx merchandise to be very good style or quality, or bear any relation to the "original" prices. It must be at least 10 years since I have set foot in one, it might have improved in that time. 

florianatwobob

I’m also a fan of TK Maxx/Homesense. It’s a treat every 8 weeks or so (I visit when I get a haircut). I have a number of candles, an excessive amount of ‘Tupperware’ and bulk buy shampoo and shower gel from there. I tend to avoid the clothes although very good for socks & I did come home with two kimono style tops last visit and a new laundry basket!

I rather enjoy it’s jumble sale, never know what you’ll find aspect!

Cherryfudge

@Rosa_Damascena, I can see that would put anyone off. I don't think I've bought clothing for me there, so I couldn't comment on it. I do tend to buy men's sports socks as you can get good brands and they make useful stocking (sorry about the pun) fillers for the men in the family. Ditto underwear though now they're grown up I've stopped choosing for them!

My daughter loves Christmas-themed china and there's always some in in TKM as the season comes round, so I've bought some for her and I know she's bought crockery there too. I think some of my best buys have been posh towels, again for gifts. Perhaps I've never noticed quality issues as I tend to be buying there for other people!

kboss2010

@Cherryfudge I have to admit it’s really variable in TK Maxx. I’ve had amazing high thread count bedding and water-tight Camelbak coffee flasks that have lasted 10 years and also really rubbish branded stuff that’s lasted 5 minutes. I have to be in the mood to rummage through when I go there 😆.

I do find Homesense a lot better in that regard as a lot of it doesn’t seem like seconds or the tat that didn’t sell.

I saw a really heavy vintage leather men’s brown biker jacket in a charity shop on Saturday but it’s a shame my OH probably wouldn’t wear it. I almost considered buying it for myself lol.

Coxy11

Visited Sevenoaks on Saturday which has a good array of charity shops including a mahoosive hospice shop. Purchases included a vintage full size Scrabble for £4 - we have had a travel size magnetic one for years and it goes on holiday with us but never a full size version. Also got a Gisella Graham rectangular sandwich plate for £2. 

Car boot yesterday netted 8 vintage McDs Snoopy toys for £2 and a bone china mug for £1 - all of which I will stick on Bay of E for my charity fundraising. The same mug is currently listed for £19.95 so will list mine a bit cheaper. 

I'm not keen on TKM for clothing but the homeware and gift stuff is great. I particularly like the soap bars (for me).

Rosa_Damascena

A retail expert seems to agree on the TK Maxx consensus reached on this thread: https://apple.news/A5YHY-QDWRsuJJUYFQGivwg