To still buy clothes from charity shops?

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Been discussed on MN before but would appreciate some help getting my head around a heated debate last night.

I’ve bought clothes from charity shops ever since I started work over 30 years ago. Couldn’t afford a full work wardrobe, discovered charity shops and never looked back.
I am now financially very comfortable. I still browse the charity shops, and still buy from there If I see something that looks like new that I really like. I also buy books and other things eg an old fashioned trifle bowl and some unusual vases.
Somehow the conversation came round to charity shops at my book club last night. I know from previous discussions that most of them wouldn’t dream of buying second hand clothes. A few of us do - the need to spend money wisely never leaves you and I’ll admit to loving the thrill of finding a bargain.
So we revisited that old discussion but with the added very vocal suggestion that it is incredibly wrong of us to continue buying clothes from charity shops in the current economic climate, as we are taking away the opportunity for people struggling financially to buy those clothes.
I was taken aback at the strength of feeling about this, quite vitriolic.
I’d accept it more if we were rinsing the shops and if the shops were short of stock. But between us I think we had bought 10 items this year; we have at least 7 charity shops in our small town centre (all well stocked) and the next town similar.
While I appreciate the charity benefits whoever buys from them, I am now conflicted. I honestly can’t see that buying a few bits from a charity shop is taking stuff away from those that need it (on the basis that there is plenty of stock in the shops, of which there are many). On the other hand maybe they have a valid point. But then if those clothes didn’t get bought the charity would lose out.
I’ve been going round and round on this since I woke up, hence posting. Re-reading this it does sound like I am making something out of nothing but the accusations became quite unpleasant, and I found myself unusually shaken by them so am just trying to process it.
Thank you for reading, sorry it got so long!

There’s more donated to charity shops where I live than they can possibly cope with. They’re in need of more customers not less. Fair enough if the charity shops were bare and there were queues of needy customers lining up outside but I very much doubt that’s the case where you live OP.

Hi, I think if you like what you see then buy it… 1) who’s to say someone will want that exact item also… 2) charity shops don’t care who’s money it is.. 3) it’s not just about struggling people buying stuff who need to save money.. we all need to save.. 4) I’m not a planet preacher but it really does help the planet if people buy pre loved stuff.. and 5) who cares what others think - you do you!

So true! I bet they dont want the lady who posted to go in the charity shops in case she sees them shopping there as well 🤣🤣🤣.

They sound like a seriously weird bunch of climate change denying ignoramuses. They need to be reminded of the reuse recycle motto.

Some people have being offended as a hobby.

Of course you should buy clothes from charity shops if you want. FWIW, I am in the "wealthy" bracket and today am wearing a lovely jumper from a hospice shop.

I give clothes and other items to the shops, it is part of a circular charitable economy.

Off topic but if anyone can afford it, our local food bank has a school uniform bank once a month. You can buy basic items to donate, or give money and they will buy badged jumpers etc.

This sounds like a GREAT opportunity for reading up on the benefits of reusing and recycling.....🤭 I'm sure there are lots of books out there on this topic.

People struggling financially can't afford to shop in most charity shops. Your friends need to get out of their privileged little bubble and learn about the real world and be less sanctimonious and insufferable.

I think your friends are being ridiculous.

Firstly there's no guarantee that anyone else would buy the items you did. Which would leave the charity short, and the item would be wasted, so worse for the environment too.

Secondly, the charity is going to need the extra support given the current climate. Some who donate regularly will have had to cut back on that.

All the shops local to me seem to be full to the brim, and there's always new stock. I very much doubt you're leaving the shelves bare for anyone, and you say you've donated clothes too.

Please keep on as you are, and keep supporting your local charity shops. If you feel at all uncomfortable about it, then add an extra donation when you pay.

I shop in charity shops because I like the idea of re-using/re-gifting/recycling and less waste. I recently bought a beautiful, ornate, velvet box just because it is the perfect gift for a colleague - nothing to do with clothes! I don't 'need' to buy in charity shops but I do 'need' to set an example to my children and they see shopping in charity shops and second-hand goods as the best option! Success!

I buy from charity shops. Currently wearing a nice warm jumper from a chazza.

A couple of work colleagues have looked at me as though I've sprouted an extra head, after learning that I bought clothes from charity shops. Presumably because they think I'm well off enough to buy everything new (I am). I don't care , I enjoy seeking things out.

This. It sounds like their virtue-signalling is just a cover for their snobbery.

Your greater contribution is in donating high quality clothing in good condition for the charity to sell to others. Only those with money and spare resources can do this, whereas anyone can buy.

So if you want to lean on 'supporting the charity' as a justification, then donations are by far the most effective way for someone in your position.

I buy most of my clothes from charity shop/ eBay/ Vinted for environmental and budgetary reasons.
Charity shops are for everyone who has time to go in
They don't means test at the door!
Perhaps your friends are jealous of your bargains and wouldn't use one as they are snobs!
Their loss, and the environments loss too

I rarely buy from charity shops, they're too expensive. You can buy new clothes for cheaper in the sales or online. A friend who volunteers in a charity shop says their stock is now priced for middle class customers who want to feel they're doing their bit for charity. They're no longer for the poor to get cheap items.

They never were "for the poor". 🙄

I reckon your sanctimonious book club pals are simply casting around for a justification as to why they're still buying exclusively new.

The comments are coming from those who don't get it at all! They're not like food banks, some of the clothes are quite expensive, especially smart work and designer wear. (Some too expensive for me, for things I would like, but don't really need)
I have rarely bought new for myself myself, or my children when they were young. I donate just as much as I buy too. Keep going, OP!

Charity shops aren't like jumble sales where everything is 10p-50p, they are no cheaper than Primark for basic clothing; and places like Lidl and Aldi sell budget clothes as well. You are not depriving a poor person from being able to clothe themselves, and your book club friends are being ludicrous for suggesting it.

It's far more likely that they wouldn't dream of buying anything from a charity shop themselves, and look down their noses at the people who do. But of course they can't say that to your face, so they have trumped up this idea instead.

We know the local area and what prices things will sell for. So we know that leading up to Christmas, we might get £10 for that Debenhams jumper (although it would depend on several factors - some sizes sell better, if it has tags etc.) but come July it might be priced at £2.

As others have said, the whole point of charity shops is to support the named charity, not to provide charity to those buying, although hopefully they will get a bargain too.

Buying from these shops is also more sustainable. You carry on OP.

Absolutely no need to donate. Just buy what you need or want OP.

You're right of course - I just meant donate if you can, rather than chuck stuff out.

As someone who has worked in sustainability for the last couple of decades, please please continue to buy secondhand goods. The planet simply cannot support our rate of consumption. Plus, charity shops are often over stocked, and a lot of goods get sent to to the global south, and impede their economies. Ignore those who tell you otherwise!

Thank you everyone, I feel much better about it now.

It’s just more virtue signalling bullshit. You are entitled to shop anywhere that accepts your money. Just stop talking about it and then you won’t hear the words of idiots.

Charity shops have and always will have a few more expensive items that would never be bought by those in need. On the other hand the shops need the income from selling the better pieces. So yes, do continue to buy those items from your local charities. We (my husband and I) are comfortable, just like you and just like many people, not rich but doing fine. Doesn't mean you have to buy everything new! I still like to browse and buy secondhand!