Shelter

I am a big fan of charity shops, particularly if the charity in question is one I support and Shelter certainly fits the bill, but sadly I cannot leave a positive review for this particular shop. While the layout of the store is good and the variety of items available is impressive, sadly this is a charity shop that thinks it is a high end boutique - a reality reflected only in the extortionate prices. While 25 for a sterling silver ring may not seem too expensive, when that ring has no hallmark and a stone missing, it's ridiculous. Charging 10 for a silver plated cruet set isn't necessarily out of the way, but when the set in question is badly corroded, to the point where it is only fit for the bin, it demonstrates that the person pricing the item is deluded. Some pieces of Bohemian glass can fetch a pretty penny, but when an identical piece is available on ebay for 15 it is ludicrous to ask 30, and deceitful to claim that it is Murano. Of course, I don't expect the volunteers who work in a charity shop to know the value of each and every donated item, and though it takes only a few minutes of research to identify a reasonable market price, they can't be expected to expend that time and energy for every item that comes their way. While the prices on many items in the shop are vastly over the odds, it's not justification for a one star review. However, when a volunteer in the shop eavesdrops on a private conversation between a man and his wife, and hears one of them comment that a particular item is too expensive, the correct response is to either ignore them or perhaps take their remarks on board and reconsider the price. It is not correct, or even remotely appropriate, to tell those customers to "get the f*** out". If you are running a charity shop and want to pose as a high end boutique, at least operate with the courtesy and decorum one would expect in such an establishment. The customer is not always right, but they do deserve to be treated with at least the pretense of respect. If the absurd prices weren't enough to ensure that I will never set foot in the place again, the foul language and abuse sure did the job. Disgusting.
Aug 1st, 2018