Total Reuse

Total Reuse CIC is an all-​encompassing social enterprise to do with recycling and resuse. I’ve mainly been a customer of The Bike Shed, which is one aspect of what they do, with The Tool Shed, The Paint Shed, The Sewing Room etc being other aspects of the enterprise. It looks like they offer a domestic and industrial clearance and decluttering service. The furniture etc from the clearances plus other donated items are then refurbished and upcycled for sale in their warehouse shop. I would think their workforce are combination of paid project leaders plus volunteer clients who need a hand to get back into employment.
The warehouse is impressively full of white electrical goods, beds, tables, chairs, sofas, vinyl records, paint and so on. I think you could bag a bargain here, especially in terms of the more basic or less fashionable stuff, but if it is a really cracking old pine table then I think they will price it accordingly and also there are probably a certain class of people (retro interior designers or hobbyists) watching this sort of place like hawks. If you are looking to kit out an unfurnished house on a budget, then Total Reuse should be your first stop.
If you like the British Heart Foundation furniture shop in the Connie, then this place is probably right up your street. There is probably more chance of a bargain at Total Reuse, their showroom is much bigger and also they have some unique lines depending on what has recently been donated. For example, Laura Ashley denim paint seems to be there in some quantity at the moment. Plus, with The Sewing Room on site, if you like the chairs but not the upholstery, they will reupholster them with the fabric of your choice. And then there is the whole «upcycling» aspect, which could easily see you walk out with your very own custom-​built Heath Robinson machine, if that is your bag!
Given the fairly boring retail environment that is the Connie and indeed the shopping centres on all of Skem’s estates, I think Total Reuse is a must visit for the intrepid shopper.