I am surprised at the news that charity shops are prospering - I find some of them are expensive when you consider you are buying second hand goods. The High Street shops all seem to have permanent sales on at the moment, I find I can buy new clothes and accessories for little more than I would pay in a charity shop.
Some charity shops' goods are in much better condition than others, it pays to shop around as one would anywhere else.

"CHARITY shops"!
I nver used charity shops in my life and I came from a family of ten.
I will never wear anyone's "old duds!.

Having helped to open and run a Charity shop for 14 yrs it amazes me at the wide range of customers we get. First and foremost all helpers in the shop are volunters, the owner lets us have the unit rent free. We only pay for electricity and a reduced Council tax. Our sole purpose is to raise funds for our charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research. We price goods very cheaply to encourage a quick turnover. As everything is donated and we dispose of unsold items to the 'Ragman','Scrapmetal' dealer or the Council tip. I therefore am a great belever in charity shops but NOT in the Town centres

I'm amazed at often I hear the phrase 'Charity shops are too expensive, they get the stuff for free'. I manage an Oxfam shop, and while yes, we do get stuff for free, our aim is to make as much money as possible to ease poverty and suffering. Therefore if an Armani skirt comes in we are hardly likely to sell it for 2.99. Even at £40 you are still getting a bargain when it cost £150 to start with.

I shop around all the charity shops, and I own clothes with labels I would never be able to afford new. I also buy all my books in charity shops, who wants to pay full price when you can get it much cheaper?

Charity shops are little treasure troves, you can always find a bargain if you look round!