Shelter

Morningside, much like Stockbridge, is known as a charity-​shop-​sanctuary. Both are quite prosperous areas, and as a result the charity shops often have an abundance of good brands, often in good nick.
I, however, am not very adept at charity shopping. Similar to shopping in TK Maxx. Or car boot sales. I do not have «an eye». As a result, I wander in, take a quick glance, flick through the wracks, then consider it empty of any charity shop treasures and leave. So please take my review from that point of view.
I wasn’t hugely impressed with the charity shops in Morningside in general. It could be because it was a really cold afternoon, I was hungry and tired. But as far as the charity shops went, this Shelter was better than most. A lot of them were sparse on clothes, and had more paintings, tea wares etc. One was incredibly messy. This Shelter was well laid-​out, had quite a lot of younger adult clothing, and also a nice range of books.
I didn’t find anything I wanted here, but should that be the merit of a charity shop? I’m not sure. As far as all the charity shops went in Morningside, this one was quite nicely organised and had a good range. I hope that helps the more eagle-​eyed shoppers!

Being a charity shop, Shelter is stocked with the usual tat people didn’t want. However, it is also a cut above many other charity shops in the area for one key reason: organisation.
The middle of the shop is dedicated to clothes. And, as any discerning fashionista knows, there are invariably bargains to be had in charity shops. It’s all in good nick too — they clearly pick the best stuff to put out, not just accepting any old rubbish.
The part that really impressed me about shelter, though, was the literature section. Lining the entire back wall (and part of the right hand wall), it was pretty extensive. And sure, there was plenty of dreadful airport books (ahem, Jilly Cooper), but there was also some great fiction and non-​fiction. It’s organised by genre too — especially helpful if you’re not sure of the author’s name. And it’s nice to know your money’s helping people.