Local charity shops are treasure troves for bargain hunters looking to refresh their wardrobes or find unique items without breaking the bank. While the thrill of the hunt can be unpredictable, sometimes the payoff is extraordinary—as one mum from Saltford, Somerset, recently discovered.
Emily, a mother of two and full-time reseller, frequents charity shops and pre-loved markets to buy affordable items she can resell for profit. Her latest visit to the Mercy in Action charity shop in Saltford led to multiple exciting finds, but one item stood out above all: a stunning two-piece Hermes ensemble priced at just £8.50.
Sharing her haul on TikTok, Emily revealed the true worth of her finds. A pair of leather cowboy-style Ugg boots marked at £15, for example, are no longer available on the Ugg website and typically retail for well over £100. She also uncovered a Barbour jumper priced at £7, albeit with a slight stain, and a Monsoon top for £10, which she believes will sell quickly this summer.
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Emily’s discoveries extended to other high-value clothing, including a Monsoon jumper originally retailing at over £90 offered for only £8, and an alpaca wool blend jumper from Marks & Spencer for £6.50, a type she knows always sells well. A Modern Rarity jacket grabbed her attention at £15, which she later learned had sold for £75 on eBay, representing a strong resale opportunity.
Perhaps most striking was a men’s Barbour wax jacket for just £25—about 10% of its original price—making it an exceptional find given that Barbour waxed jackets typically range from £250 to £400.
After uncovering pre-owned Peloton trainers and a Harrods top together for £15, Emily introduced her “find of the year,” the Hermes two-piece set. Originally retailing for an eye-watering £2,900, this coordinated polo neck and cardigan combination exemplifies the incredible bargains that can be uncovered in charity shops.
The response from social media viewers was one of amazement at the value hidden in these donated items. While some criticised resellers for buying from charity shops, many recognise that their purchases still support charitable causes, with former charity shop staff validating resellers’ role within this ecosystem.
Emily’s finds underscore the exciting possibilities charity shops hold for those willing to dig—and the powerful impact of spotting genuine luxury amid everyday donations.