SHOPPING at boutiques selling pre-loved goods is a good way to kick off the new year.

When many are facial a tough financial outlook heading into the new year, and have to be careful about their spending, shopping might not be on top of the list.

As more awareness is raised about the pressure the environment is under, fast fashion stores are also feeling less attractive.

Luckily, Buckinghamshire towns boast plenty of charity shops that make a difference, with pre-loved furniture, vintage clothes, and even brand new clothing.

All of them help to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people, including children.  

Here is where to shop guilt free this weekend.

Amersham Owned, Amersham

Ran by The Hospice of St Francis, this relatively new addition to Amersham’s shopping offer opened in August 2022 with its selection of pre-loved fashion, home wear and furniture, gifts, records and books.

The Hospice supports 2,000 seriously ill people and their families in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

Currently the shop is on the lookout for new volunteers to fill various roles.

 

Newlife, High Wycombe

Found on Eden Walk in the Eden Shopping Centre, Newlife the charity for Disabled Children is said to rival TK Maxx for bargain hunters.

The large store is filled with fashion and accessories for women, men and children at rock bottom prices, including an exciting market stall with changing mystery bargains and discount racks.

Bucks Free Press: Inside the Newlife store Inside the Newlife store (Image: Newsquest)

Newlife’s head of retail Andrew Murphy-Hayes said shoppers at the charity not only made a “huge impact on the lives of disabled or terminally ill children and their families as our stores raise vital funds for our charity services which provide disability equipment” but also to the planet, as stock is donated by leading retailer brands instead of ending up in landfill.

Aylesbury Furniture Showroom

If you’re looking to spruce up your home, this is the place to head to for interior treasures, furniture and clothing.

All profits from the showroom located on 2 Broadfields go to support the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.

Look out for the charity's newest shop opening in Beaconsfield on January 20. 

The charity works with Bucks NHS Trust at Stoke Mandeville Hospital to provide specialist palliative and end of life care for patients across Buckinghamshire.

This includes additional nurses in the in-patient unit, and day hospice offering physical, therapeutic and emotional support to people with a terminal illness.

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Shaw Trust, Marlow, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe

Shaw Trust has become a familiar sight on Britain’s High Streets since its birth in the 1980s in Wiltshire.

The charity and its army of volunteers support people with complex needs into good work.

They help people of all ages get skills, find employment and gain qualifications through various programmes.

The Trust currently has almost 50 shops in England and Wales, and thanks to the help of volunteers, staff and shoppers it continues to make a difference.