Let's Go Bargain Hunting!

Charity shops are not only great for your pocket, the environment and supporting great causes - they're also treasure troves!

- MICHELE O'CONNOR

◆ Become a regular: "Every day we accept between 30 and 100 bags of donations which are sorted, processed and immediately put out on the shop floor," explains Jane Roberts, Cats Protection charity shop manager (www.cats.org.uk/blackheath/shopwith-us-page). "Our mantra is 'buy it when you see it' because it probably won't be there when you come back!" For most shops, anecdotal evidence suggests that weekday mornings are best for fresh stock.

◆ Look for label-free items: Several big name fashion brands donate surplus stock to charity shops which are then usually sold without labels to prevent returns to the original store. "We regularly receive lots of new, never-worn stock, including Zara, Converse, Carhartt and more," says Jane. Experts at www.moneysavingexpert.com found that M&S donates to Oxfam and Ted Baker to Oxfam, Age UK, and NewLife.

◆ Find designer bargains: "Many charities have 'premium shops' offering high quality fashion and homeware," explains Cancer Research UK's director of trading Julie Byard. Retail guru Mary Portas runs Save the Children boutique stores with goods donated from labels including Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren (www.savethechildren.org.uk/shop/ marys-living-and-giving-shops). Luxury items can also be found at Oxfam's Oxford superstore (www.oxfam.org.uk/ shops/oxfam-superstore-oxford/) and The British Red Cross (www.redcross.org.uk/shop/ vintage-and-designer-charityshops). Visit affluent areas to find designer pieces and high-end items, adds savvy savings blogger Emma Bradley (www.mums savvysavings.com).