'Charity supermarket' in Reading sells everything even a wedding dress
THE HUGE new Charity Super.Mkt has opened a new pop-up store in The Oracle selling everything from children's clothes, sports wear and accessories to suits, formal wear and even wedding dresses.
The department store pop-up, that opened in Reading on Friday, March 24, will run until Sunday, April 30. It has stocked pre-loved clothes and accessories from big brands including Zara, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.
We sent along our reporter Megan O'Neill to visit the store to see what quirky finds and bargains she could uncover.
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Read more: Massive 'charity supermarket' opens in the Oracle
As you walk in you will notice the store is divided into sections based on charity as proceeds go to UK charities: Age UK, Blue Cross, Cats Protection, DEBRA, Havens Hospices, Helen and Douglas House, Marie Curie, Shaw Trust, Shelter, Smart Works, Sue Ryder, Thames Hospice and TRAID.
The store is so big that it can seem overwhelming when you walk in but it has everything you want with great bargains to uncover.
It already seems to have been a hit with visitors, as one pair of shoppers could be overheard saying: "I'm going to need another basket" as she had already filled another two."
The friend replying: "You need to get that, it's only £6".
Shoes
Shoes in all shapes, sizes and colours are on sale at Charity Super.Mkt as not only are there shoes in each charity section of the store, there is also a large shoe section at the back.
I found a pair of leopard print Michael Kors heels on sale for £30 - A brand that will sell new shoes for well over £200.
You will find more expensive items in store too, for example Emporio Armani trainers for £84, but still much cheaper than buying brand new.
Suits and work wear
There was a huge range of great quality suits and work wear on offer. I found a men's Pierre Cardin suit for £25 and TM Lewin shirt for £16, which are sold for around £55 brand new. Possibly the biggest bargain was the tartan waistcoat on sale for just £4.50.
There are also many great suits and work dresses on sale for women, including a stunning red blazer for £6 (I might have to go back to get it for myself!)
Formal dresses (including a wedding dress)
My favourite part - the ballgowns! There are many great quality, stunning formal dresses on sale at Charity Super.Mkt, making it a great place to visit if you are shopping for an evening event or wedding. There was even a wedding dress on sale.
This Miss Selfridge dress still had the original label on for £55, now on sale for less than half the price.
Accessories
As well as all the great clothes on sale, there is a huge range of accessories including bags, belts, jewellery, ties, scarves, sunglasses and so much more.
Final thoughts
Shopping second-hand is becoming more and more popular as according to TRAID's YouGov survey, 65% of us now wear something second-hand, particularly younger shoppers. I would definitely recommened heading down to The Oracle to see for yourself. There are so many great bargains on offer, and you will be supporting UK charities at the same time.
The store has a 48 hour return policy for items. Items need to have the tags on and a receipt to be able to return.
Charity Super.Mkt encourage you to donate items to sell. Good quality, clean clothing, shoes and accessories will be accepted.
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Read more: Shoes Suits and work wear Formal dresses (including a wedding dress) Accessories Final thoughts