By Fiona Walker
I HAVE been lucky enough to meet some lovely people this month. The work they do and the time they give is of benefit to us all, yet for the most part we don’t hear too much about them. They’re unsung heroes in our community.
You see, I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of local charity shops over the past four weeks, chatting to managers and staff, and getting a real insight into the exceptional work that is ongoing on a daily basis, all for the good of others.
Many of the shops are crammed into spaces that are really too small for them, meaning that the working conditions are far from ideal, and any storage space is overflowing with donated goods, making things even more cramped. And behind the scenes, sorting, cleaning, pressing and hanging is a constant challenge, along with a host of other chores never witnessed by customers.
Although each one supports a chosen charity, many of these outlets believe that they also have a responsibility to help the wider community, especially during difficult times such as we have been experiencing recently, with rocketing prices and incomes that fail to keep up with inflation.
At one store, the caring manager told me that they always ensure that their winter coats, school uniforms, and children’s clothes are offered at bargain basement prices. Because, as she explained, these are things that people really need, not purchases that they’re making for pleasure or on a whim.
Most of the charity shops also support one another, passing items between them where appropriate, and giving their competitors encouragement and assistance whenever possible. They may be rivals in attracting custom, but each recognises that all are raising vital funds for worthwhile causes and are deserving of support.
I’ve grown to love our charity shops over the past few years, and now I’ve set myself a challenge: I want to get more customers through their doors.
You see, there are some fantastic bargains waiting to be discovered, and I’m not talking about those low-priced essentials: they’re for the people who need them most. I’m talking about some fabulous fashions that have been pre-loved and deserve to be re-loved. Yes, I know that’s PR speak, but believe me, when you have a good look through the rails in any of these stores, you will soon discover that some beautiful clothes have been donated.
In my mission to increase customer numbers, I recently set up a dedicated Instagram and Facebook page. Over the next few weeks and months, I intend to visit stores regularly and pick some of their best bargains, loveliest clothes and quirkiest fashions to promote online, and demonstrate just what delights can be found in these Aladdin’s Caves of treasures.
I already have a number of essentials in my wardrobe which started life I know not where, but ended up on the charity rails, the most expensive being a trendy little raincoat which cost in the region of £30; expensive for a charity shop, you may think, but when you consider that it was as new and a highquality brand, believe me, it was a snip.
The real trick with buying from charity shops is to have plenty of time to browse and to go in with an open mind.
Better still, go with a friend. Take your time to have a really good look at what’s on offer, because rails packed with varying styles, colours, shapes and sizes can sometimes look messy and unprepossessing. But believe me, there will usually be a gem or two in there, if only you have the time and inclination to look closely. And to try on anything that takes your fancy.
Buying second-hand used to have a certain stigma attached to it, but things have changed. Nowadays, it can be viewed instead as a badge of honour and the younger generation have made “thrifting” an art.
After all, what is not to like about pre-loved? You’re contributing to charity, you’re often buying something original, you’re getting a bargain, you’re recycling and – of course – you’re helping the environment. It’s not a win-win situation, it’s a win-win-win-win-win situation.
And apart from clothes, you can find just about everything else under the sun in our local charity shops – furniture, plants, books, prams, kitchenware and household goods…the list is endless.
If you’d like to track my progress, and hopefully be inspired to venture into your nearest charity shop, have a look and follow UpstyleJersey24 on Instagram or Facebook; I’d love your support and – more importantly – so would our local charities.
