What a great place to put a charity shop. Located in the middle of Stranmillis' bustling student…read morearea. There are always students looking for a bargain so why not get in amongst them? When I called to this shop it was quite busy. It was the summer and people were just out and about. They were all just like me, out having a oggle through the racks for something of interest. Because of it's location in one of the more well to do areas of Belfast, there are actually quite a lot of designer clothes on the rails, available for next to nothing. I couldn't find anything for myself that day but that's the beauty of these type of shops, they are always getting new stock in and its always worth it popping in to see if anything new takes your fancy.

Once again, I stopped off in my usual style at a charity shop while out and about to see what books…read moreI could dig up - I'm not so much ever looking for clothes in here (being a bigger girl) so I tend to keep an eye out for thier book selection and occasionally thier accessories or shoes. This branch seems well run and popular, as it was quite busy when I called in. The girl on the till was really pleasant and had a nice chat with me about the book I was buying, and dealt with the transaction well, even though she was in the middle of pricing and organising some brick'a'brack that someone had unceremoniously dumped on her moments before. Worth a look if you like to find a bargain-priced book. I got a big historical fiction for a quid.

This is a typical charity shop which has all the usual bric-a-brac, clothing, shoes and music. ]…read more Unfortunately their window display leaves alot to be desired. If this was changed and modernised I believe the shop would probably get alot more business. In store there are alot of items which are sell-able and would prove successful on a window mannequin but there just aren't being used effectively. The shop is poky and can feel a little congested but this is in part due to the amount of clothes on the rails. The volunteer staff are very helpful and do all they can to accommodate your needs. They even keep items over to the end of day or a more suitable time if you're in a hurry, heading to work or have prior engagements.

Again for my recent penchant for various types of charity shop I thought it was apt to complete the…read moretrifecta. I've been here a few times in the past looking for that addition to a last minute Halloween costume. They always turn out a disaster and never quite get finished as of course I have a habit of sorting out what I need at the very very last minute. The last time I called in (albeit quite some time ago) I had to have a look around at some of the oddities on offer. You wouldn't believe the things charity shops have, I suppose they'll essentially take anything from anyone. I found ladies hat which was very similar to something an officer in the SS would have gone to work in. I did however manage to find a battered copy of Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species. A book I've never read but have been planning to for a long time. That said I still haven't but at least I own it... and all for a paltry quid.

Voot voot! Another charity shop success!…read more This shop has a wide varity of sizes and styles to choose from. It is bright and clean and the staff are friendly too. I ended up spending about £30 on a very large, heavy bag of items, so my money went very far in this store. From what I understand, Oxfam is the charity of choice for Marks and Spencer, so there is a wide variety of their clothing available. Bring you biceps, because guarantee you will be walking out of here with an armful of great buys!

Another great charity shop for me to have a hoke about in…read more The lady working here wasn't very friendly, in fact she didn't even acknowledge my presence in the shop but hey, that's fine with me. Again a great collection of ladies garments and many from very expensive high street stores such as Jaegar and Karen Millan to name drop a few. Gotta love charity shops in affluent areas. This one is well run and organised as all the clothes are arranged by colour - i've never seen this done before. I had a look through but didn't see anything I wanted that day, though there was a nice pair of wedged sandals from River Island going at the very reasonable price of £3.00 which I may go back for another day. A decent experience and I'd say you would have a good chance of scooping a bargain in here. I said cheerio - she said nothing!

Firstly everything in this shop is designed to give proceeds to a very worthy charity…read more Now for the bad news. It verges on the junk shop which disappoints me. Some charity shops are full of very useful and very good value things. This shop however has a few bits and pieces which are lovely and would look great as a present, but realistically, it's a bit of a nothing shop for me. My mum and Gran visit charity shops regularly and they even walk past this one which I think says it all. Has the potential to be much better and I really hope it does because it is such a worthy cause and it is in a great position on Botanic Avenue

While waiting on my sushi order at Sakura down the street, I usually pop in here to see what books…read morethey have to sale, as they usually have great bargains, and then my purchase goes to charity of course! That's what I love about these shops, you don't feel guilty about spending money - you simply can't, because you are helping yourself and others at the same time! This branch has lots on offer, and actually feels like a real shop, if you know what I mean - they have quite a range of clothes and shoes and accessories, as well as a reasonably attractive looking household/ornament display, and they also sell birthday and occasion cards. It's well managed and well arranged to make you feel like browsing, unlike some other charity shops. Well worth a look if you are passing by and feeling charitable.

As I've said before, I really enjoy a good old snoop around a charity shop. You just never know…read morewhat you might find. This Cancer Research shop had some pretty nice clothes. Ok, some of it you'd never be seen dead in, and normally you might have to look in 3 out of 4 shops until you find something you really want to buy, but that's what I love about it. The utter randomness of the paraphernalia sold within. I talked to a lovely woman called Pearl in here who volunteers most of her week to ensure the shop is kept running in ship shape condition. This shop is really neatly laid out with all the items in their proper place and clearly labelled prices. As per usual it was full of local old biddies calling in for some chit chat, but I did notice one rather well off lasy enquiring about an ornament in the window. Maybe she's on to a good one! Lucky her! Why don't you take a pop in and try your luck? At least you'll be giving to charity. Good samaritan.

As far as charity shops go this one is a good one although it's a little bit cluttered and…read moredisorganised. I initially went in here as I spotted something I was after from the outside. When I went in to the store I was shocked about firstly, how busy it was and secondly how all over the place everything was. The strange thing about it was that it was quite exciting riffling through all the bargains looking for treasure. I was actually looking for some picture frames and there were certainly a lot on offer as well as loads of other furniture. The only problem with the store was the lack of staff, I suppose this is because the saints who work their are mainly volunteers and they do a fantastic job - they just need more! Barnardo's is conveniently located on Bridge Street, just a few hundred yards from the City Centre. You should pop in and have a wee hoke through all the gear - you might just find something you like/probably don't need but end up buying anyway.

This shop is just brilliant. I'm writing this with the telly on in the background, a telly picked…read moreup at Barnardo's for only a fiver. And there wasn't even a pushing match with my flatmate of the time either, as he got one for four quid at the same time. They're portables, obviously, but there are usually proper sized tellies there for about twenty quid. Check this place out first before you go near Cash Converters! The shop also sells electrical goods such as fridges and cookers for very good prices, although not for a fiver unfortunately, and it's the first place I'd come to if I had to kit out a new house. They have a vast collection of DVDS, and a very impressive and perfectly catalogued range of books. There's also some really nice costume jewellery, most of which looks individual and not a chain-store knockoff, framed pictures and general household bits and bobs, as well as plenty of clothes and shoes. As with most charity shops there's not much in the clothing or shoes range for our male friends, alas, but the amount of bargains in all the other categories should keep everyone happy.

Oxfam Ballyhackamore is a little more than your average charity shop. It'll be one of your more…read moreproductive charity shopping shops, as there's so much to choose from and look at for a start. Not only do they have a decent selection of clothes, plus the obligatory knick-knacks, ornaments, DVDs, Vinyls etc., but there is also a good variety of furniture. Think old computer monitors for £15, glass chess sets for £30 plus tables, chairs, display cases, bureaus, bedside tables...the whole lot. Not only that, but they've just started up a baby gift service (awww...), and will either provide you with a pre-made basket, or will happily construct a hamper upon request if you provide the gifts (for a small fee). You can spend anywhere from £5 to £30 on one, which means there's really no excuse to find something that matches your budget. And what a novel idea! Something that will go to a good cause, and will also mean a whole lot to the family of that baby boy or girl. Good work Oxfam Ballyhack...keep it up.

This charity shop is an absolute gem and I like to think that nowadays there is no stigma attached…read moreto charity shopping - am I right or am I right? You can find anything in this treasure trove - vintage furs, kids toys, furniture. My kids have been fighting for weeks aover who gets to sit on our new leather recliner from this place - and I mean brand new. probably the best bargain I have ever found AND about half of what I paid for it will directly benefit the charity. I am a great believer in what goes around comes around so when I am getting rid of furniture etc, I give these guys a call and they come collect it to sell in the shop. The staff at Oxfam are outstanding too, especially Colin (the manager I think) who is totally helpful and friendly.