Buckinghamshire charity shops look ahead to Christmas

Due to the cost-of-living crises as well as the rise of everyday items, it is anticipated that shoppers could turn to second-hand stores to get their Christmas gifts and decorations.

The shops we spoke to also said that when things quiet down in January, they tend to receive numerous ‘unwanted presents’ with many not being opened.

They will then keep these in stock until the next festive period (or at special events) and sell them for less than the market value.

Ann Rarity, the shop manager at the Rennie Grove branch in Flackwell Heath, said: “The build-up for Christmas has been good so far.

Ann Rarity (left) and Kay Molineux (right) look after the Rennie Grove branch in Flackwell Heath (Image: NQ) “We put out our Christmas display a few weeks ago and we are always restocking as people have already come in to buy decorations and trees.

“I think we’ve been busy because people want to reign the cost in, but also spread the cost up until Christmas.”

To help with fundraising, the charity recently held a two-hour event where they sold several ‘unwanted gifts’ from last year which raised an incredible £400.

Their location in the village is also a big attraction for customers, as it is walking distance from several streets, whilst also a stone’s throw away from a nearby school.

Mrs Rarity added: “Another thing that helps us is the environment.

“I believe more people are now aware of the throwaway society we can be, and if there is a way to invest in something that was once loved, it can be given a second chance rather than buying something new.”

Another shop that is expecting a huge increase in footfall is High Wycombe’s Sue Ryder branch.

The shop along Queen Street is just metres away from the Eden Shopping Centre and is one of the few stores in the county that sells items such as bicycles.

Shop supervisor Sammy Donoghue said she is thrilled that the branch is expected to be busier than anticipated, and has urged customers to use charity shops for not just the cheap prices, but also for the cause it supports.

She told the Free Press: “I’m thrilled to hear that lots of people plan on shopping in charity shops because you’re going to get a good bargain.

“You’re also helping a very good cause, and it makes me happy because some days are very quiet.

“It’s so important to use charity shops – you’re not just helping a good cause, but you’re also providing money to the care of patients, and to help their family if they have suffered a loss.

“These shops are so beneficial.”

During 2024, videos on social media sites such as TikTok focused on the unique finds shoppers discovered when looking around second-hand stores.

@clickwright Look out for these items at cahrity shops to resell #Carboot #carbootfinds #carbootsale #carboothaul #thrift #thrifting #ebay #charityshop #charityshopfinds #charityshophaul #charityshopfind ♬ original sound - Josh wright

These included rare musical instruments, football shirts and antiques.

This, coupled with fashion enthusiasts looking for good quality clothes in charity shops also became a popular trend, with some videos reaching views into the tens of thousands.

One of the latest second-hand stores to open in Buckinghamshire is the Florence Nightingale branch in Hazlemere, which recently celebrated its first anniversary in the village in May.

A spokesperson from the charity said: “Charity shopping in the run-up to Christmas is very busy, with shoppers and donors piling into our shops as our staff and volunteers refill the shelves and shop windows.

“Many shoppers have a budget for their Christmas spending, they know that they can get a good deal on gifts in our charity shops and find some hidden gems which makes it fun.

Naomi Dean works at the Florence Nightingale outlet in Hazlemere (Image: Florence Nightingale) “They love to support a local charity, and many enjoy shopping sustainably with items being reused, repaired, refurbished and recycled.

“We often call our items pre-loved and there is no reason why they can’t be loved again, only by someone new.

“We have 14 shops, across Buckinghamshire and its borders and charity shops are often the busiest shops on the high street, bustling with happy shoppers of all ages.”

Gurdap Etwal, who manages the British Heart Foundation in Wycombe added: “We always want people to come to the shop.

The BHF branch in High Wycombe (Image: Florence Nightingale) “It is so important people come to us because we get so many donations which is saving them from going to landfill.”