Okay – so I have to admit something that may sound utterly crazy from someone who frequently spends upwards of $300 on Theory blazer coats: I’m totally obsessed with charity shops. Like ; seriously addicted ; to the extent that my coworkers think I’ve lost it when I tell them about finding a pristine MaxMara coat for eight pounds in some random Oxfam in York during graduate school.
I was at that charity shop during what was supposed to be a “serious” research trip ; you know, the kind where you’re expected to focus on academic pursuits and build your professional networks. However, since the library was totally uninteresting to me, and I desperately needed some retail therapy on a student budget, I ended up spending my lunchtime wandering around local charity shops. One elderly volunteer took one look at my Harvard ID and essentially gave me the friends-and-family discount on a 1970s Jaeger wool coat, which ultimately lasted for me through Boston’s cold winters for the next five years. Eight pounds. Something that looked and felt like vintage Max Mara for eight pounds!
After that experience, it pretty much killed me for regular shopping. Why waste money on full price when there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered? Once you develop an eye for it – which, believe me, is a trainable skill – charity shopping will become an odd adventure that is way more enjoyable than mindlessly browsing Net-A-Porter at 2 AM after a terrible day at the office.
What I’ve come to realize after basically touring all of the major charity shops throughout the entire U.K., from London to Edinburgh, is that these stores aren’t haphazard jumblesales; rather they are somewhat akin to neighborhood ecosystems. Clearly affluent neighborhoods produce better-quality donations; however, the relationship is far more complex than that. You’ll have affluent commuter towns with finance people like myself dropping off mostly unused work attire. University towns with treasure troves of vintage items from students clearing out old belongings. Communities comprised largely of retirees with high-quality possessions they are downsizing due to moving into assisted living facilities. In many ways, it is really interesting from a demographics perspective; although, perhaps this reflects how my brain processes things.
If you haven’t heard of Farnham in Surrey yet, then let me inform you that it is basically the holy land of charity shop towns. Again, no joke. The local demographic is comprised of wealthy commuters along with retirees with exquisite tastes. Last year alone, I found a nearly-new Mulberry Bayswater handbag for £40. Do you know how much those retail for? Almost £1k. A friend of mine, Emma (a fellow finance person who shares similar obsessions regarding charity shopping), found an entire set of Denby dinnerware for £25.
While Bath does an excellent job with their charity shops, in many respects it is frustrating. Local charities have gotten so smart about identifying designer brands that you won’t often find anything ridiculously cheap. On the other hand, their vintage selection is unparalleled. Specifically for 60s & 70s finds from retired individuals clearing out decades’ worth of wardrobes. I bought a fantastic Aquascutum trenchcoat for £30 that I still receive compliments on. However, my favorite spot is the Julian House shop located on Walcot Street. To find the real deals, you need to leave the tourist area behind.
For a small-town alternative community in Devon called Totnes, I was surprised by how well-stocked their charity shops were. You’d expect a town this size to only offer minimal selections; however, it appears that Barbour jackets and handmade pottery made locally in London boutiques would easily cost five times as much. Demographically speaking, Totnes seems to draw artists and creatives from London along with local residents whose sense of style is unexpectedly refined. Their Oxfam bookstore is potentially hazardous ; I’ve found fashion photography books in their store that sell for over £100 online.
In terms of my top five favorite spots, Harrogate earns an honorable mention primarily due to its combination of affluent residents with a strong appreciation for quality versus trendiness. The Save the Children shop consistently carries cashmere sweaters from Brora and Johnstons of Elgin for under £30. Under £30! That’s roughly what I spend on lunch most days. Their St Michael’s Hospice shop offers perfect options for special occasions when you want to impress clients without breaking the bank (i.e., paying $400+ for something you’ll only wear two times).
Finally, Edinburgh deserves a separate category altogether. While Stockbridge has enough great charity shops to create organized tours, I prefer simply wandering around since half of the fun lies in discovering these hidden gems yourself. Of course, if you do choose to take one of these guided tours, you will likely have access to insider information regarding some of the best spots. The Stockbridge Shelter Scotland Shop is arguably the most well-curated charity shop in the United Kingdom ; it’s as if you’re shopping at a boutique store… only everything is priced under £20. Not long ago, I purchased a beautiful Margaret Howell blouse from there that I currently use for client meetings.
As you would assume, Oxford receives support from its connection to the university; however, the combination of international students, academics and affluent locals results in an ideal mixture for creating high-quality donated items. Although everyone loves visiting the world-famous Oxfam bookstore located on St Giles’, the lesser-known shops in Jericho contain many of the best treasures. I recently told you about my friend Laura ; she literally documents her charity shop finds in a spreadsheet as we are all slightly nuts. She found her wedding shoes there. Jimmy Choos. Unworn. Fifty pounds.
Leamington Spa certainly performs well beyond its means as regards charity shopping. The British Red Cross men’s section is phenomenal ; my boyfriend recently picked-up an unworn Paul Smith suit for £60. Which is approximately 75% less than what he usually pays for his dress shirts. The local animal shelter shops have tremendous home decor items, likely stemming from all the affluent empty nesters in the surrounding area.
Lastly, here’s my wild card suggestion: Burnham Market in Norfolk. It has merely one Sue Ryder shop in this quaint little town; however, among charity shop enthusiasts it is legendary as being one of the few places where second-homeowners donate their London cast-offs. Just be aware that you’ll be battling actual merchants/collectors/dealers when searching through their inventory ; so timing is key. I’ve learned to check their Facebook page for new stock postings before making trips.
London’s upper-income neighborhoods are quite capable of producing outstanding charity shopping experiences; however, they typically charge accordingly. Charity shops in Wimbledon Village are infamous for selling barely used designer merchandise; however, they also price themselves accordingly. The Mary Portas Save the Children stores have taken charity shopping to levels previously thought impossible by elevating it to boutique status ; which I feel defeats part of the purpose.
Additionally, Whitstable in Kent offers significant rewards for persistent shoppers seeking vintage home decor items. I’ve acquired almost my entire entertaining collection via their charity shops ; including 50s Midwinter pottery in near-perfect condition; Le Creuset cookware etc.; all for dramatically lower prices than their retail counterparts. The Pilgrim’s Hospice shop has the greatest clothing selection while Cats Protection has great book/homeware offerings.
However, my sleeper pick is truly Beverly in East Yorkshire. Within easy walking distance of six charity shops, a mix of affluent professionals & country estate owners, and very little competition from weekend Londoners ; I found an ideal 80s Barbour jacket there for £25; something that would have cost ten times as much had I attempted to purchase it from a Shoreditch vintage store.
Ultimately, while bargain-hunting is obviously a huge part of the appeal of charity shopping ; the thrill of discovery is what makes it so magical. Finding things you didn’t even realize you wanted until you saw them sitting there for £3. I’ve unintentionally created collections of vintage fashion books; antique Victorian silver items; mid-century ceramics; all because I stumbled upon them in a charity shop somewhere. Additionally, there’s something appealingly sustainable about using charity shops as a source for affordable goods that resonates with my practical nature ; even while continuing to buy full-priced Theory blazers for work.
Many treasures adorn my current abode sourced directly from charity shops across England and Scotland. That original Jaeger coat finally bit-the-bullet after five years of Boston winters. Silk scarves from Bath and Edinburgh that I continue to wear to work meetings today. Coffee mugs from Totnes in the ’60s that add elegance to my morning routine today. All costing less than £20 and bringing me disproportionately greater satisfaction and pride than many other purchases that cost hundreds-of-dollars. Each item has its own unique history as well.
Honestly? Look ; I know this sounds nutty coming from someone who works in finance and could theoretically shop normally. But there’s something incredibly enjoyable about the hunt; discovering the unexpected; hearing the stories behind the items. Plus? Honestly? Many of my best conversation-starters at work events have revolved around vintage charity shop finds. Clients adore hearing about your eight pound coat or fifty pound Jimmy Choos.
Therefore ; whenever you travel around England next, try incorporating some charity shop reconnaissance into your itinerary. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll uncover something that becomes a staple in your wardrobe for years and supports good causes simultaneously. And if you ever notice someone (me) carrying multiple totebags rapidly walking from one charity shop to another with a somewhat crazed expression, please don’t hesitate to say hello. Understandably though ; I may appear preoccupied ; as I may have just noticed that Shelter has posted new stock and/or cashmere is calling my name
