FROM tomorrow I can take part in my favourite hobby once again . . . charity shopping.
I consider myself a pro and think of rail-raiding as a sport.
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Find some great bargains this week with these tips.
ALWAYS ASK: I can only imagine how stuffed the stock rooms are at the moment.
I chatted to some insiders who told me that some incredible items have been donated over the past year — and we should expect shelves to be brimming with top-brand bargains.
One of the best things about charity shops is often the friendly volunteers who are around to lend a helping hand.
This week, get to know them.
Always talk to the staff and mention if you are after something specific.
Suggest leaving your name and number in case something you are really after comes in.
UPCYCLE IT: Charity shops may sell items that aren’t exactly what you want but have great potential to be transformed into something amazing.
You just have to use your imagination and think outside the dressing-up box.
Even basic clothes can be turned into fantastic new wardrobe staples.
For example, you could snap up a pair of jeans and turn them into denim shorts.
Sparkly evening gowns can be made into glam tops for nights out.
THINK AHEAD: Consider key events that are approaching, such as spring or summer weddings.
I’ve been told there’s a surplus of wedding dresses hidden in charity shop back rooms right now.
Budget brides, get ready to raid them because now is the time to scoop up the dress of your dreams for a bargain price.
There are specialist bridal charity shops, so find them online, plan a trip and get ready to shop ’til you drop.
BEST TIME TO SHOP: The British Heart Foundation usually processes a minimum of 200 to 300 donations per shop, per day alone.
But right now?
I think this month we will see rails refreshed even more.
That means you might want to think about popping in more often.
Mid-morning is normally a better time as staff have had time to put out stock.
However, at the moment the early birds will catch the cut-price worms.
- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of day
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KICK off your fitness regime again with new sports gear in the Zalando sale.
This Puma gym bag is down from £19.99 to £13.99.
SAVE: £6
Cheap treat
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BREAKFAST is better with the new Belvita dark chocolate and hazelnut.
Usually, a four-pack is £2.79 but they are on offer at Tesco for £1.39.
SAVE: £1.40
Giselle’s little helper
PETS at Home has launched My Pet Pals educational activities for children.
Available on its website, the platform merges physical and digital play and offers a host of fun, interactive activities and competitions including pet care videos, story time, games, puzzles, crafts and more.
Be one of our winners
LONG-TIME Sun reader Paul Peers, 55, won £100 in our monthly raffle and plans to spruce up his new home with the cash.
He scooped the jackpot after picking up a copy of The Sun at a One Stop store in Oldham.
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The building services assistant manager for JD Sports, from Chadderton, Greater Manchester, said: “I have been playing the raffle for years and I can’t believe I’ve won.
“We are in the process of buying a new house so our raffle win will go towards something for the new place.”
Paul, who is married to Josy, 51, has three children from a previous relationship, while Josy has two.
Together, they are grandparents of four.
Fancy trying your luck like Paul?
Each month, 250 readers will pocket £100 just for reading the paper.
Simply download the Sun Savers app or sign in at sunsavers.co.uk, find the Sun Raffle page and press “Yes” when prompted.
Start collecting the codes printed every day – you can scan in the app or enter online.
Shop & save
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PACK something new in kids’ lunchboxes with the Biotiful Kids Slurpy Kefir Pouch now on offer at Waitrose.
Get three for £2, normally 75p each.
SAVE: 25p
Hot right now
WORKERS in health, education, social care, the emergency services and Armed Forces can get 25 per cent off at Paperchase.
Play now to win £100 on The Sun Raffle
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.
SHOPS SHUTTERED
The high street shops not reopening on April 12 as they close forever
CLOSED FOR BUSINESS
The full list of businesses that WON’T open on Monday
TO THE MAXX
20 items you’ll find in TK Maxx when stores reopen – and prices start from £5
BEER FEAR
Pub customers could be forced to wear face masks OUTSIDE when beer gardens reopen
SIP SIP HOORAY
First look at Wetherspoons’ beer garden with table service and curfew
SOFA SO GOOD
Aldi’s new garden furniture range includes sell-out £270 rattan set
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.
- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Stacey Solomon’s top tips for decluttering your house
