Top Ten Charity Shops - Glasgow

Feature by Anna Battista | 13 Oct 2006

Best for... Accessories

Oxfam Donated Goods Shop, 231 Byres Road
Their selection of accessories is second to none, and also includes different styles and every now and then, some top labels. Keep an eye on the prices though, as they can be a bit overblown.

Islamic Relief, 115-117 Albert Drive
Set in the heart of the Muslim community, this shop is highly recommended for those searching for Asian clothes or the right accessories, such as bangles or sequinned shoes to go with a sari. Why buy expensive items inspired by Asian fashion on the high street, when you can have the original thing for much less?


Best for…Bargains

Sense Scotland Charity Shop, 168 Dumbarton Road
A narrow little shop which is a bit claustrophobic, but has plenty of clothes hanging along the walls. From the outside it may look off-putting, it can however be a real goldmine. Ignore at your peril.


Best for…Books

Oxfam Bookshop, 330 Byres Road
Near to Glasgow University and the West End, this shop is well stocked with everything from fiction and poetry to art, biographies, textbooks and volumes about Scotland. Definitely one for students as textbooks are sold at a fraction of their original price.

Best for…Bric-a-Brac

Shelter, 214 Great Western Road
The quality of their clothes is excellent, and they also have a great selection of bits and bobs. There's a bit of everything on offer here including vases, teapots and assorted knick-knacks, all at extremely fair prices.

Best for…Clothes

The Salvation Army, 91 Dumbarton Road
If you're looking for clothes as well as something a little more unusual, this is the place. As a bonus the racks are well arranged and thoughtfully spread out, the stock is ironed and clean, and it's possible to find amazing clothes for less than £2.

Best for…Exclusive Clothing

Shelter, 679 Great Western Road
Word of mouth has it that if you're really lucky, you'll discover stuff here from the BBC Costume Department, as the HQ of BBC Scotland is just around the corner. On an ordinary day you'll still find some of the funkiest retro and vintage clothing around. 

Best for…Music

Oxfam Music Shop, 171 Byres Road
The first charity to open specialist music stores throughout the country and they still have the best selection around thanks to their fantastic range of quality vinyl, CDs, sheet music and music books. Again, keep an eye on the prices, but if you've just found that rare 7" you were desperately seeking, you just might have to give in. 

Best for…Toys

Barnardo's, 483 Victoria Road
Tired of spending money on toys that are used for only minutes before being abandoned? Rather than going for the new, expensive option, try this shop to please the kids and, since at Barnardo's all the toys carry the CE mark, you can be sure they are safe.

Best for…Weird and Wonderful

PDSA, 154 Dumbarton Road
If you dig the most unusual of fashions, this is the place for you. Also one of the best laid out charity shops around as there is ample space between the racks, meaning you will have all the space you need to browse in comfort. Keep an eye on their stock of accessories, books and homewares as it changes constantly.