A man who bought a leather bag from a charity shop for £8 was gobsmacked after checking the label at home and discovering the brand sells similar items for £120.
In a post on the Charity Shop Finds UK forum on Reddit, the shopper wrote: "Found a leather bag for £8 and it looks absolutely new." He added: "Checked their website and found a similar bag for £120. Love a good bargain."
The Ashwood Leather Bag
The bag was made by Ashwood, a brand known for leather goods that come in a range of shapes and sizes. On average, Ashwood bags cost between £25 and £125, although specialised pieces can range up to £165-£325.
The shopper shared his purchase on Reddit, and other users were quick to congratulate him. One commented: "Good find mate," to which the original poster replied: "Thank you, it was actually in the women's section. Thought it looked really nice." Another added: "Result," while a third chimed in: "£8! That's a steal. Really nice bag!"
Tips for Finding Charity Shop Bargains
Finding the best goods in UK charity shops can take a mix of timing, smart location strategy and knowing what to look for. Here are some tips for landing second-hand treasure:
- Shop early in the week: Visit on Mondays or Tuesdays, as most people drop off donations at the weekend.
- Make it a habit: Pop into local shops regularly, as frequent visits help you recognise new items.
- Target affluent areas: Visit charity shops in wealthier towns or upscale neighbourhoods where donors offload high-end brands and designer labels.
- Look for outlets: Check out large charity furniture or clearance superstores.
- Check labels and fabrics: Inspect inner brand and material tags for quality fabrics.
- Explore beyond clothing: Don't skip the homeware, vintage books, children's toys, and physical media rails – these are frequently underpriced compared to clothing.
- Social media alerts: Follow your favourite local charity shops on Facebook or Instagram, as many post flash sales, new window displays, or special drop announcements online.
