There’s nothing better than finding a bargain, especially when you’re not expecting it! In this blog, we’re letting you know how to find hidden gems in Lancashire charity shops.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend or a treat for yourself, charity shops can be a great place to look.
What are the benefits of shopping in charity shops?
There are so many benefits to shopping in second-hand stores, but here are just a few of them.
Helping the environment
Using second-hand shops is a great way to protect the environment, as you can prevent items from entering landfill. Unfortunately, many items enter landfills when they still have a lot of life left in them.
The fashion industry can be very polluting, but luckily clothes are one of the most common items that are donated to charity shops. Most of the time, clothing items have only been worn a few times when they are donated, meaning that there’s plenty of life left in them.
By buying clothing and other items from charity shops, you can reduce the effects of fast fashion and feel good about yourself!
Save yourself some money
Shopping in charity shops can definitely help you save money, even when you’re purchasing designer clothes or items. As we mentioned previously, many items that are donated to charity shops have plenty of life left in them and might even be pretty much brand new!
It’s common to find items for 50% off their original price or even more! Before heading to a fast fashion brand for your next dupe item, check out the local charity shops to see if a higher-quality version is available. A better quality item will certainly last longer.
Find unique items
There’s nothing more exciting than heading to a charity shop to find some unique items. After all, who knows what you’ll find?! If you want to stand out and make a statement in your home or even with your outfit choice, then charity shops are a great place to start!
We often have vintage pieces hidden on the rails, so keep your eyes peeled when searching through our treasure trove!
What can you find in charity shops?
There are options to find so many incredible items in charity shops, with fashion items often being a popular choice. Here are some of the other common things you might find.
- Furniture
- Shoes
- Bags
- Accessories
- Books
- Garden supplies
- Board games
- Children’s toys
- Bikes
- Bric-a-brac
- Glassware
- Electrical goods and much more!
Tips for finding hidden gems in Lancashire charity shops
Plan out your trip
Why not make a day out of searching for charity shop gems? Gather your best friends or someone else and make a plan. This is sure to be an exciting day for you to enjoy. Make sure you’ve got a good idea of what each charity shop sells before you add it to your itinerary. Make sure you leave enough time for each shop so you can have a proper look!
Take time to check all areas
There’s no point heading to a charity shop with a specific idea of what you want, as they may not even have anything similar. Instead, be open-minded and check all areas of the shop. You never know, you might find something that you’ve wanted for years!
Try things on
Great charity shops will offer the ability for customers to try pre-loved items on. If you’re buying second-hand, this is always a good idea. This helps you to see if the item fits you and if you love it as much as you did on the hanger.
Remember that items can always be adjusted by a professional. In many cases, such as buying occasion wear, buying second hand and having the item adjusted will still be much cheaper than if you were to buy the item brand new.
Make sure you love the item; otherwise, it’s better to leave it behind for someone else to enjoy.
Ask around
Many charity shops have lovely volunteers who are more than happy to help you when shopping. If you’ve got a style in mind, why not ask them if they know where you’re best looking? This can help you save time if you’re on a tight schedule.
Consider the brands
When shopping, take the time to look at the brands of clothing and other items. This can help you assess the longevity of them. Additionally, you may prefer to shop more ethically by looking at the different materials used for the product.
Donate your own items
If you’re planning a day out to the charity shops, why not have a decluttering session at home before you set off? This is a great way to keep your home organised and also support Lancashire charity shops. Read our blog on how to declutter and donate for the best results.
We are so grateful to the local community for their generous donations.
Visit Regenerage
At Regenerage, we have a wide range of charity shops across the North West, including the following.
- Bamber Bridge, Preston
- Buckshaw Village, Chorley
- Calder Park, Chorley
- Chorley, Preston
- Fulwood, Preston
- Leyland, Preston
- Occasions Preston
We also have our flagship store – Middlebrook Charity Superstore, which is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, Bolton.
At this store, we have a wide range of items available, including furniture, clothing and much more. Our store is 11,000 square feet, meaning there’s plenty of space for hidden gems! At our Bolton charity superstore, we also stock prom dresses, wedding dresses and other occasional wear. Read our blogs on finding the perfect prom dress and a gorgeous pre-loved wedding dress.
We have a changing room area so that you can leave feeling confident and happy with all of your pre-loved items. Bargain hunters are sure to enjoy a visit here, with reasonable prices and exciting events throughout the year!
By shopping with us, you’re supporting us with our mission of helping older people to live and age well in the North West.
We provide a wide range of support, from helping older people stay active to providing will-writing services. Our goal is to promote healthy and positive ageing for those living with dementia, memory concerns, loneliness and isolation.
We hope this blog has been helpful on how to find hidden gems in Lancashire charity shops. Are you ready to find plenty of stunning, hidden gems in Lancashire? Then visit one of our stores today, we can’t wait to welcome you!
