Charity is the future high street

I love charity shops.

Just a stones throw from where I was volunteering today there was a street, a little spur off the main high street, which was not full of so much Christmas footfall. Almost like a little B road off the main road of shopping where you could take a little stroll down at your own pace and have the chance to look carefully at things around you without the pressing of elbows and the feeling of pressure to hunt for a particular gift.

Along this shoppers’ haven I found Age Concern, Barnardos, YMCA, Cats Protection League and a couple of other similar shops all nestled together. Within 15 minutes I had bought wrapping paper and four gifts at a fraction of the price of the high street – brilliant! I also confess to indulging in an Abercrombie and Fitch hoodie, which I could not ignore at £5.

I found myself wondering why myself and one or two other people were the only ones browsing along this little row  of gems while the crowds all fought to get items on the high street they could have bought online anyway.

In my view, charity shops are the future high street, where people can regain pleasure in browsing, not break the bank and do good for someone else all at the same time.

This blog is for Unicef.

Thanks for reading.