I volunteer in a charity shop – my top tips for bagging bargains, plus best times to shop and secret places to look
IF the cost-of-living crisis has put a strain on your finances, you’ll want to head down to your local charity shop immediately.
But before you do, we spoke to a charity shop volunteer, Ana Christina Oliveira Da Cunha, to get her top advice on not only how to bag the best bargains, but also the best times to shop and the secret places to look for items that would make perfect Christmas gifts.
So if you want to shop second–hand but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place, as Ana revealed her top shopping advice.
Ana told Fabulous: “In my role, I have lots of fun styling the mannequins in the window. I think sometimes people can be a bit nervous about asking for something in the window, but when styling it, I always choose eye-catching items to draw people in.
“So, these are often high-quality and our best pieces, and by selecting them you can get a real bargain. Don’t worry about ‘messing up’ the display.
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“If you end up buying something from the window, it just gives me an excuse to style it up again, which I love!
“Don’t be put off by items with loose seams or missing buttons, particularly if they are designer or premium high-street.
“Alterations, repairs or mending can often be done at a better price than you think at your local dry cleaners. Or you could give it a go yourself!
“Not only is the total cost of the item and the repair still a fraction of the designer item, prolonging the life cycle of an item of clothing is the best way to do sustainable fashion.
“We also get brand new surplus stock from high-street brands – so these can be a real bargain as they’re brand new, unworn, on trend and a fraction of the price.
“Finally, consider becoming a volunteer yourself to get first dibs on some bargains! You’ll also be doing lots of good, as Oxfam really need volunteers ahead of the Christmas period".
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If you are wanting to cut the costs and pick up some brilliant bargains, Ana has revealed the top things to look out for when charity shop shopping.
As well as this, with the costs racking up this Christmas, if you are looking to bag some Christmas gifts from your local charity shop to save some extra cash, Ana has shared her top advice on the items to look out for.
I spotted a L’Occitane gift set the other day at a bargain price! These sets are all unopened and they can be a much better deal than the high street.
She explained: “People may not realise but in lots of Oxfam shops we sell toiletry gift sets around this time of year, containing lovely bubble baths, candles and hand creams.
“I spotted a L’Occitane gift set the other day at a bargain price! These sets are all unopened and they can be a much better deal than the high street. These are also great for Secret Santas.
“Books are always a lovely gift too and you can pick these up for a couple of pounds. We often have recent bestsellers donated, but it’s also really nice to have a browse and find unexpected presents for your friends or family.
“We also have really unique homeware items – from beautiful vases, to quirky salt and pepper shakers and high-quality glasses.
“Not forgetting our ‘Oxfam’s Own’ items. We have a number of fair-trade partners, such as Tony’s Chocolonely and Faith in Nature soaps and hair care, which are in the store all year round and make excellent gifts.
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“You can also return items to Oxfam (just like any other shop!). So if the piece of clothing doesn’t fit or the item isn’t quite right, your loved one can swap it for something they truly love”.