Shelter Scotland charity shop in Edinburgh breaks its own record

Pete Jew was named the UK’s top charity shop worker last year
Pete Jew was named the UK’s top charity shop worker last year

An Edinburgh charity shop has had a record-breaking week of trading thanks to donations of designer, vintage and quirky items.

Shelter Scotland’s store in Stockbridge is famous for its annual launch where a year’s worth of highly sought after and high value donations are put out in the first week of trading of the new year.

This year fashion-conscious bargain hunters bought an astonishing £18,398 of clothes, bric-a-brac, jewellery and records in the first seven days.

Pete Jew, manager of the Shelter Scotland Stockbridge branch, said: “I’m amazed at how much money we have been able to take in over the first week of trading this year. The launch has always been a celebration of donations and local support. It showcases the wonderful items you can find in our shop all year round. People donate things that are either no longer available on the high street, or never were, which makes them highly prized.”

Shoppers treated themselves to clothes from fashion houses including Vera Wang, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Gucci, Prada and Dolci and Gabbana, much of which was given to the shop by one generous donor.

Pete Jew added: “Many of the designer or vintage items are now rare or one-of-a-kind which makes them highly desirable. All the same I am still amazed at how well we did this year. It’s fantastic.”

Shelter Scotland campaigns to ensure that no-one should have to endure the misery of homelessness alone.

In addition to shop sales, a rare collectable Be@rbrick figurine of Star Trek favourite Mr Spock sold for £350 in a silent auction.

Alison Watson, deputy director of Shelter Scotland, said: “I take my hat off to Pete and the team at the Stockbridge shop for yet another record-breaking launch event. It is only with the support of fundraising including our shops that we can continue to provide vital services to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.”

Share icon
Share this article: