A personal stylist has offered three essential tips for buying clothes from charity shops, as shoppers increasingly turn away from fast fashion in favour of sustainable choices. Catherine Grout, writing in the Metro, advises against purchasing items solely because they are cheap, urging shoppers to apply the same standards as they would in any other store.
Grout recommends knowing your colours, checking the fit, and not compromising on quality. She also suggests taking time to browse, trusting your instincts, and enjoying the thrill of finding a bargain. 'There's nothing like walking out with a bargain that makes you look good and feel good and does good,' she said.
The advice comes as Cancer Research UK announced plans to close 88 of its charity shops due to rising costs and changing consumer habits. Five of these closures are in Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Stalybridge, and Urmston. The charity expects to increase its financial contribution to research by £12.4 million over the next five years as a result.
Chief executive Michelle Mitchell OBE expressed gratitude to supporters and staff, stating that a smaller, high-performing retail operation will allow the charity to fund more life-saving research. The news follows a charity shop enthusiast who complained about high prices, saying one visit drove her to Primark instead.
