how do you feel about going in to charity shops?

Question

are you bothered about being seen going in by your friends or neighbours, i was in my local the other day and i saw a gucchi bag ( not spelt correctly) i left it to think about it and went back it was gone , did i miss out on a bargain.

Answer 1

I love charity shops! I think people should be more ashamed of spending $400 for a stinking purse than saving money (and benefitting those in need) at thrift stores. My friends and I go quite often, garage sales too! I will dumpster dive but not in broad daylight. :)

Answer 2

As an ex-charity shop manager, I have to say that the image of them being a place where old ladies shop is very much a thing of the past. I was an 18 year old manager on a gap year from uni and had great fun jazzing the shop up and attracting a younger demographic, although the customers appeared to be of all ages regardless.
I must admit myself, I used to be embarrassed by the prospect of someone I knew seeing me go in/come out of there but the stuff is so unique, of top quality (believe me we had standards to meet and even price lists according to the brand!) and guaranteed to give you a look you can't get in Topshop; that I'd consider it a must when looking for a new garment.
Another bonus is that rather than generic "seasonal" stuff for 6 months at a time, you can pop in once a week and the stock will be different.
As for the Gucci bag, depending on what area you were in; chances are it was a fake. In the more upmarket areas you might find people donating real designer bags but they tend to have faults such as broken zips or snapped handles. Most people will sell unwanted designer gear on ebay or via 2nd hand designer shops which take a cut of the sale price.

Answer 3

I like going to charity shops. In fact, I go there all the time. When I get something nice, I even tell my friends that I got it from a charity shop. I am not bothered about seen by anyone, because after all, I am getting good bargains and helping charities.
And I'm sorry about the bag. I think you've missed a really good bargain. Now you know...next time, just buy it.
I am 24 by the way, and many of my friend around my age like charity shops too.

Answer 4

I grew up in charity shop clothes so I bought new ones for the novelty once I was earning. I've never minded going into charity shops though, especially when I want to buy books - I can get books from 20p which is great. I don't care if friends or neighbours see me, there's no stigma attached, and if they have money to burn it's up to them.

Now I don't mind buying clothes in charity shops at all. It frees me up from having to buy whatever this year's fashion is, and I can buy brands I could never afford new. I also like the fact that I can help the charities in question buy buying goods from them.

As for the bag, maybe you missed out on a bargain, but then again did you check how much they were asking? If it was really cheap it was definitely a fake. Anyway, good luck with bargain spotting in the future.

Answer 5

I really wouldn't have a problem with going in them - I think you will find that the ppl that are more concerned about the stigma of going in them will be young (the peer pressure is more of an issue then).
To be honest I've only gone in once or twice ages ago - not because of the stigma - just cause I forget they are there. I donate a lot of things to them cause I like to think that certain charities can benefit in this way - I also know many friends who donate many of the brand names (including Gucci) a lot of the time the stuffs never been used.
Think I'll have to go and have a bargain hunt round all the local stores - Thanks for making me think of them
Wishes n Dreams XxX

Answer 6

I go into charity shops all the time! In fact, probably about half of my clothes are bought there. I admit, I am kind of embarrassed and worried about seeing people I know in there, but that's only happened once so far. But try not to let that get to you too much...you miss out on so many great deals by not going! I have a lot of really nice clothes from them...so don't feel bad, and keep your eye out for another Gucci bag!

Answer 7

I have no problem with charity shops. They can be good for bargains, but also for a bit of a laugh looking at all the tat from years ago.

I used to buy clothes in them but they always smelt a bit, even after several washes so I tend to just get the odd nick-nack or silly gift in them now.

Don't worry about missing out on the Gucci bag – it was probably a fake!

Answer 8

umm YES you missed out on a bargain!!!!!!!!!
i used to be a little embarassed of going into charity shops, i was so materialistic, and i am that shallow, but now i don't care, because they always have such great bargains and things, if you got o ones in posh areas there is always tonnes of designer stuff (the other day i saw 2 ralph lauren polos for £3.50!) and it is all for a good cause, so you know!
plus if you can't find any cheap clothes, you can always get some really bargainous videos and cd's so it is good!

Answer 9

You can get some good bargains in a charity shop and you are helping a good cause. My sister spends half her life in charity shops. The bag was probably a fake.

Answer 10

I think you definetely missed out on a bargain.

I really don't care! My best friend and I have both put ourselves through school ...so neither of us had much money to spend on clothes and such.

We used to shop at the charity shops and many times we found brand new article of clothing, furniture...purses... for only a couple of dollars.

There are some things I would not recommend buying used such as shoes or intimate apparel....but this is for hygiene purposes.

There is nothing to be embarassed about...!!

As long as you are happy with your purchase...who cares where you bought it?