Bagging a bargain - 4 Inverness charity shops reveal their best buys
From pots and pans for those setting up home to designer handbags, Inverness charity shops are proving popular with bargain hunters.
The cost-of-living crisis combined with a shift towards more eco-friendly shopping habits are prompting increasing numbers of consumers to visit charity shops.
As well as seeking affordable or value-for-money items, many customers are motivated by concerns over the environment and sustainability – and it also has the added benefit of helping charities and good causes.
We asked four charity shops in the Highland capital to pick out their best bargains:
Cancer Research UK shop, Drummond Street:
Bargain: Outfit including brand new Garcia Jeans dress, scarf and shoes.
Price: £15.
Sheelagh Chisholm, who is in her 25th year as shop manager, says footfall in the shop has definitely increased.
"The last year has been the busiest that I can remember in our Cancer Research UK shop in Inverness," she said.
"We have customers of all ages visiting the shop donating quality pre-loved items and taking home a second-hand find.
"People are helping to keep items in use, making the most of the resources used to make them, and raising funds."
Mrs Chisholm, a grandmother-of-two, knows how vital it is to continue funding life-saving research.
She was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in May 2017 but following surgery at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, her treatment was a success and she is pleased to be back on the shop floor helping others.
Asked about her tip for snapping up a bargain, she replied: "Look carefully – and don't hesitate especially if it is brand new as it will sell quickly."
New Start Highland furniture outlet, Carsegate:
Bargain: Home starter pack with 50 items including cutlery, crockery and pans.
Price: £25 (to buy all items new would be more than £75).
New Start Highland's store has a fast-changing stock including living, dining and bedroom furniture, DVDs, records, bric a brac, gardening items, kitchen items, paint, cycles and new white goods.
Money raised helps support people experiencing homelessness and to deliver employability training
Chief executive James Dunbar said footfall is up significantly.
"We feel this is due to more people struggling with the cost of living and not being able to afford all new items," he said.
"Second hand items can be much better quality for your money with the additional benefits of helping a charity help people struggling with poverty and reducing your carbon footprint.
"We ensure there is always a wide range of furniture and household items available to suit every budget as we are aware many people are finding things difficult at the moment."
He advises people looking for a pre-loved bargain to shop with a little more flexibility than when buying all new items and to keep popping in as stock changes every day.
Highland Hospice, Falcon Square:
Bargain: Designer handbags by US labels Kate Spade and Coach Legacy.
Price: £45 for a handbag by Kate Spade (would retail for up to £400 new).
Based in a historic building, the Highland Hospice shop reclocated to its prime city centre location two years ago during the coronavirus pandemic after previously occupying a unit in Queensgate.
Manager Laura Del Aguila Murphy, who says people are now getting to know the shop, makes a point of continuously refreshing the items on show to attract customers and also creates eye-catching themed window displays often to reflect seasons and events - from the festive party season to spring weddings.
"We get a lot of compliments about our windows," she said.
The shop stocks a wide range of items from new to previously-used including fashion and household items while a vintage clothing section is also attracting a lot of attention particularly among younger customers.
"That is the fun part of a charity shop – you can create your own unique style," Ms Del Aguila Murphy said.
"There is something for everyone whatever their budget."
People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), Queensgate:
Bargain: Brand new trainers made from sustainable materials by ACBC (Anything Can Be Changed).
Price: £40 (would usually retail at £149).
The perception of charity shops is changing, according to Julie Junor, manager of the Inverness PDSA shop.
"There have been a lot more people coming through the door," she said.
"I think it is due to the cost-of-living crisis and also people wanting to be more sustainable.
"Previously, I think it used to be older people who would go into charity shops. Now, it is anyone and everyone of all ages.
"I think some people had the wrong impression of charity shops – they perhaps thought it would be just old stuff and not clean.
"But we get fantastic donations including brand new things still with the labels on."
She added that not only were customers able to pick up a bargain, their money also supports the PDSA which helps to care for sick and injured pets particularly whose owners are facing financial difficulty or social hardship.
*What is your best buy from a charity shop? Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk.
