Shelter

One of the best things about this branch of Shelter is the layout of the shop. It has dedicated sections for clothing, homewares/​bric a brac and a cute back room for books and dvds. They always have stacks of things to look at but it doesn’t get as crowded as the charity shops on Byres Road. You can pick up all sorts of goods in here and they often have brand new items. The volunteers are really nice and always thank you when you bring in a donation. Regular visits here will definitely result in some great finds and you’ll also be supporting a wonderful charity, win win!

After reading the stellar reviews for this Shelter, I had to make a visit. I didn’t leave disappointed, nor empty-​handed. I’d meant to only look for a suitcase, but I found the suitcase I was looking for and ended up filling it with clothes as well. The prices were so reasonable and the quality of the clothes so good that I couldn’t help myself!
As mentioned in other reviews, there are a lot of big name brand clothing here, like Zara, Topshop and Fatface. I find it difficult to believe someone could walk out of here empty-​handed, as there really seems to be an item that would appeal to everyone. Contrary to other reviews, though, I don’t think it’s that big of a shop.
If you’re a thrifter but haven’t been to this particular Shelter yet, then do yourself a favour and pop in for a visit!

Some charity shops suck. There, I said it.
Now don’t get me wrong, the whole charity aspect to them is not the ‘sucking’ part (ooft), nor is the lack of any good finds. That I can handle. That is sometimes the charm.
No, the ones that truly suck are the ones that try their utmost to rip the arse out of you for something that is second hand. Yes, I get it. The jacket is a big brand. Yeah, I get it, it’s in good nick. But man… it’s used. It’s in a charity shop and more importantly, it ain’t selling, thus it ain’t making any money for said charity!
This place is different though. Stumble through the doors of this joint (prepare to jump a little as the door slams shut behind you!) and your met with a great range of great, both guys and gals, that’s well priced (fiver for a cracking vintage body warmer), in good nick and flying off the rails!
Extra star goes to the staff, one in particular who’s just too nice, but in a good way. Genuine banter ensues with each purchase. This I like.

I am genuinely amazed and in awe of this charity shop. It’s as distinctive, well run and all round top notch as a charity shop gets. From it’s bright red exterior, large windows, friendly staff and quality finds inside.
As mentioned previously, it always has some good brands of clothes in here from high street fashion such as H & M, warehouse (I got a lovely black suede skirt here) and Top Shop. There’s even big designer labels from time to time too, for all you classy ladies out there.
The stock is well organised too with a faulty rail and jacket rails organised by category — big, winter types; long coats; denim jackets — you get the picture. At the back of the shop, you’ll also find a small section with books, music and brick-​a-​bracks. You may be thinking old lady ornaments (and there will be the odd one) but there’s also newly new and really nice pieces back here.
Despite, having all this stock the shop does not feel cluttered or claustrophobic at all. Instead, the stock is well organised, the shop is clean and the space is used exceptionally well (including the slightly raised section which COULD have easily ended up filled with old bin bags of stuff).
Last but not least, the staff are always really friendly, helpful and cheery. A pleasant shop, well worth a visit.

This Shelter is always my first port of call when I’m trawling charity shops way out west, and has remained a firm favourite of mine since my teens.
There’s a large variety of stock and it’s been supervised by the same ridiculously cool girl for years — she’d fit in in Camden, for sure! I’d hazard a guess she helps with the window displays because they’re always targeted at the snappy dresser.
Despite the fact this shop gets trendy, well conditioned clothing in on a weekly basis, the prices are never bumped up to match the high quality of the items. Expect to find some high street brands such as H&M and Dotty P’s, but on a good day (namely a quiet Tuesday) you may be lucky enough to bag yourself a designer label.
Towards the back of the store they usually have a selection of denim shirts and leather jackets for guys; and vampy dresses for the ladies but this shop has yet to cash in on the cxurrent trend for charity vintage sections. I mean really, charity shops on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh have started charging 20 quid for this kind of stock, so thank God for Shelter’s modesty! (Disclaimer: I don’t grudge giving to charity, but I dislike being mislead about certain items. If your gran knitted a wooly sweater a year ago for your Christmas it doesn’t quite quality as retro just yet).
There’s a rail in here dedicated to donations from various high street designers, usually of faulty stock but most wear and tear looks easily mended with somethread and a button or two. What’s more, there are usuallya largerange of books in here, from crime to modern kids fiction and last year’s uni textbooks — thank you, Glasgow Uni students. You will definitely be thanking them when you find a textbook for 2 pounds in here that would cost you 40 quid otherwise!
For a shop that’s not very large there are always winning finds to be found within these walls. As the last review says it’s always worth popping your head in for a wee look, even if you do walk out with nothing… which you probably won’t.

Over the years I’ve been quite a frequent visitor to this shop, and although like most other charity shops it’s been hit and miss, compared to others, this one gets in some very good stock worth risking disappointment and coming back often to check for. The volunteers behind the counter are really friendly and willing to help, and the shop itself is well organised and quite large. The only qualm I have is the fact it seems to attract smellier than average customers — even more so than other charity shops!

another little charity shop — this one deals mostly in clothes, books, videos, and knick knacks. like all these places, you never know what you’re going to get — but a good rummage and you may find a bargain.
shelter is also a cause that’s definately worth supporting, especially in these economic climates.