IT’S no longer just students who are realising that charity shopping is easy on the pocket and the planet.
But with an increasing amount of people switching on to pre-loved chic, digging out the best bargains can be difficult.
7
If you want to give back while getting something you love, follow my advice to hunt down a great deal . . .
GET OUT OF TOWN: Heading further afield is a good way to hunt down bargains, especially in areas with less footfall. It’s only worth it if it isn’t going to cost you more in petrol, parking or public transport. But you could carpool with a mate and make a day of it.
MAKE FRIENDS: Always ask staff about when they get new items in, when they put them out and let them know if you’re looking for something in particular. Popping in regularly is a great way to get a feel for what lands when and to know the staff, too.
DO YOUR RESEARCH: Write a list, as you would for a supermarket trip. That way, you won’t spend unnecessarily. Buying classics is a great bet — Levis jeans, white shirts and block colour T-shirts are good timeless investments.
Before you go, scour auction sites to see what items are trending. That way, you know you could sell an item, maybe at a profit, once you’ve worn it.
SALE RAIL: Ask staff if they have a reduced rail. Charity shops want to clear stock and get the new stuff out, so will often discount one rail. I’ve found Zara items for £1 on rails like this.
Most read in Money
Many charity shops keep jewellery and other small items like sunglasses under the counter, which lots of people miss. So always check!
CLICK INTO IT: Can’t get to the shops? Look for bargains from the comfort of your sofa. Head to onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk and you’ll find Oxfam having a 50 per cent off sale, while shopfromcrisis.org.uk has excellent vintage wear.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
7
TREAT yourself to this pick ’n’ mix-scented medium Yankee Candle from George at Asda, now £6.50, usually £9.97.
SAVE: £3.47
Cheap treat
7
ENJOY a glass of Fanta. You can get two 2L bottles of the fizz at B&M for £3. Normally £1.60 each.
SAVE: 20p
What’s new?
THINKING of buying a hot tub? Now might be the time.
Homebase has slashed the price of the CleverSpa from £580 to £300 and Morrisons is selling this Lay-Z-Spa for £300 instead of the RRP of £449.
Top swap
7
7
MAKE the kids’ room look roar – some with this lion rug, £79.99 from wayfair.co.uk, or head to H&M Home, where a similar version is £39.99.
SAVE: £40
Leah’s little helper
GOUSTO’S “Flavour Saviour” kits, with ingredients to boost your smell receptors, are free for a limited time at flavour-saviour.co.uk.
And you can get 65 per cent off your first Gousto recipe box with the code FLAVOURSAVIOUR at Gousto.co.uk.
Shop and save
7
USE Morrisons Wonky Carrots, which taste the same as their “perfect” counterparts and are 29p per kilo instead of 35p.
SAVE: 6p
Hot right now
STOCK up during Lidl’s arts ’n’ crafts week, with packs of felt tips from £2.49 and sewing kits from £2.99.
Play now to win £100
7
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
To take part go to sunsavers.co.uk or open the Sun Savers app.
With Sun Savers, we give you the best hacks, deals and tips to save money every single day.
TO JOIN: Don’t worry, folks — joining takes just 30 seconds, in three steps.
