By: Jake Keller

While wandering around the streets of London, you’ll likely stumble upon one of the many charity shops. Each of these unique stores sells second-hand apparel, and often more, in the pursuit of fundraising for a cause of their choice. 

This model is not uncommon outside of the UK, and as a student studying abroad, I’m most familiar with the “thrift stores” of the United States. Shops of this likeness have increased in popularity over the years, especially with members of Gen Z. “Thrifting”, the act of purchasing second-hand apparel, has become trendy. Not only does it open shoppers up to a more unique selection of clothing, but it is oftentimes cheaper than traditional retailers, and it is a more sustainable option. Marissa Finney, 19, added to this assertion, “I like that the charity shops don’t support overconsumption, and that the clothing is cyclical.” 

This week, I visited eight different charity shops around the London area to help compile a guide for those looking to boost their wardrobe while supporting a worthy cause. 

Interior of Barnardo’s, 7 George St, London W1U 3QH

The first shop that I visited was the Barnardo’s on George Street. A charity shop that aims to support children living in poverty in the UK, this shop has everything from clothing to books. There are items as low as £1 and as high as £800, depending on the brand. If you’re looking for a wide range of brands, including high-end fashion like Prada, this might be the shop for you, but be prepared to pay the price. 

Exterior of Cancer Research UK, 24 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4PQ

The second stop of my journey was Cancer Research UK, located in Marylebone. The mission of this particular shop is to raise funds for research that helps to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease. In addition to a wide range of second-hand merchandise, Cancer Research UK also offers its own branded items such as tote bags and mugs. I found a baseball jersey that I couldn’t resist, and I ended up spending £24 in the shop. Much like Barnardo’s, the shop offers several designer options such as Hermes and Burberry, and as a result, it is a bit on the pricier side. 

Exterior of Oxfam, 91 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4RB

Next, I went to Oxfam, my final stop in the Marylebone area. Oxfam uses its proceeds to prevent poverty on a global scale, and it’s curated a brand that focuses on fighting climate instability. Oxfam sets itself apart with vintage clothing sections as well as an eco-friendly area. By now, I noticed that this area was prone to receiving higher-end donations and charging more as a result, and while that could be seen as a plus to those searching for Valentino, it is not ideal for bargain hunters. 

Exterior of Shop from Crisis, 74 Kingsland High St, London E8 2NS

After a few hours, I ventured out of Marylebone and made my way to Dalston, where my first stop was Shop from Crisis. The store has so much character and their mission is pasted on the front window: “This shop ends homelessness.” There’s a cafe inside, which is a unique touch, and the prices are much more consistent, ranging anywhere from £5 to £60. The brands are mostly generic, like Gap and Zara, but they are reasonably priced. This shop is well suited for those in search of a good deal in a trendy atmosphere. 

Interior of Traid, 106-108 Kingsland High St, London E8 2NS

Down the street from Shop from Crisis, I stumbled into Traid, a shop with the primary goal of encouraging the purchase of second-hand clothing to promote sustainability. They give back to fight global poverty and support the people who work to make our clothes. The store is much larger than the others, and prices remain consistently around £10 to £20. Traid seemed like the perfect spot for someone seeking out a hidden gem. 

Interior of Boutique by Shelter, 159 Upper St, London N1 1US

Eventually, I left Dalston and made my way to Islington, where I found Boutique by Shelter. Similar to Crisis, this store also seeks to fight homelessness, and it has a chic, modern feel. Most of the store consists of clothing, and there are various brands like Hollister and Tommy Hilfiger, with the average price being £10 to £20. The shop is small, but it’s reasonably priced and lives up to the boutique title. 

Exterior of Sue Ryder, 72 Essex Rd, London N1 8LT

Also in the Islington area, I found my way into Sue Ryder, a charity shop that uses their proceeds to help people who need end-of-life care. In addition to palliative care and hospice services, the organization helps to support those suffering grief. The shop is small, and they sell basic brands for reasonable prices, mostly less than £10 each. Although the selection is minimal, the prices make this shop worth a visit. 

Exterior of FARA, Angel House, 28 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9HJ

My final stop of the day was FARA, a charity that provides care and help for vulnerable children and families in Romania. They have kids’ clothing and books in carts outside for 50p a piece, and a medium-sized selection of clothing inside that rarely exceeds more than £10. There is also a small bookshelf where I bought an entire trilogy for £3. In my opinion, they offered some of the best prices on quality brands, and all in all, it was a great spot to end the day.