I am charity shop addict. I know people are all over going to 'expensive' areas to pick up good quality stuff but I don't agree. I don't find much difference and in these areas the prices are much higher. They have just as much Primark as any others they are just more expensive. It found a sweater I got in TK Maxx (one of TK Maxx's own brands - yes, they them) I already owned that was more than I originally paid.
The best ones to go to are usually the larger donation centres, sometimes on retail parks, that people can drive to and park outside. I go to my nearest town with can hardly be described as up or even mid market. There is one 'under £3' shop and one under '£5' shop. I don't make an effort, I just for 10 minutes when I passing - which is frequently as they are near the supermarkets I use.
I am extremely fussy - it has to be good fabrics and clearly un or very lightly worn. I've picked up lots of cashmere - regularly get scarfs for c£1 - my best buys include a Max Mara coat. I often pick up silver jewellery and, a particular passion, watercolour pictures including a few from, albeit lesser know, exhibited artists. Charity shops are fantastic for good quality leather handbags (although the really premium brands get filtered out in the sorting), hiking and sporting clothes (people buy then, wear once, give up and donate) and mother of the bride type outfits and shoes.
I feel a bit guilty about doing so well, especially on the jewellery front, but me and my family are closely involved with a charity and I plan to leave a good chunk of my estate to it stating it for the sheer enjoyment of all the incredible bargains I have found.