It is no secret that Edinburgh’s supply of charity and vintage shops are practically endless – especially down Nicholson Street – and full of paraphernalia. The prices, however, are up for debate.
Whilst I admit that I too frequently find myself browsing through the vintage section of Oxfam and the nearby Oxfam bookshop, I do not claim to be an expert on this matter. I do, however, pride myself on my extensive experience that comes with visiting and shopping at charity stores, where I am becoming increasingly aware of the increasing prices – and, as such, lack of actual buying on my part.
I find the deliberate placement of charity shops here tend to be very tactical in coercing shoppers; this probably contributes to the issue. Newington and Stockbridge, to name a few areas, where as soon as you leave one shop, there is another located next door and across the street. You simply can’t just visit one.
As prices often reflect quality, it only makes sense that more selective stores – such as Armstrong & Son, and Save the Children – are slightly more expensive. These shops curate collections of items and clothing that are well-suited to a certain target market who are more willing to splash the cash on a branded second-hand leather jacket. However, this veers away from the original concept of charity shops being accessible to anyone; instead it pushes particular customers away, with a reduced number of store options available to them.
In this sense, some stores have successfully achieved a happy medium: Oxfam, for instance. With a ‘vintage’ section containing branded items usually above the price of £20, whilst also keeping the majority of the store at cheaper prices, the shop caters for everyone. However, in other shops, in an attempt to cater for too many people, prices are increasing. T shirts cost £5 now when they used to cost £1, and I find myself questioning if pieces really are worth the price tag. Without naming and shaming, some places take it too far: I went to a Kilo Sale last year where you had to buy an entry, even without buying items.
I am fully aware that funds from charity shops are going to the right places, and that by shopping there you are supporting important matters, whilst also contributing to sustainable retail. However, this does not take away from the fact that the prices of items have increased shockingly, going beyond some peoples limits, which has been felt recently in the cost-of-living crisis – making charity shops less accessible than they were, and then they should be.
Image via Archie Ashley.