Sue Ryder

Mar 28th, 2020

At a time when too many charity shops are seeking extortionate prices for secondhand goods, this shop is a breath of fresh air. On a recent visit to another charity shop, that will go unnamed, I found a silver plated milk jug and sugar bowl priced at 20. When I asked the staff how they could charge such a price for items donated to them, I was told "that's about what they're going for on ebay". I have news for those who subscribe to that mentality - when an item is listed on ebay, it is made accessible to buyers across the country, if not around the world, while items in a local charity shop are accessible only to those who live in or visit the local area. This is a reality understood by those who operate this Sue Ryder shop in Dumbarton. I found a number of beautiful items in the shop during my recent visit, including an Edwardian silver plated milk jug and sugar bowl, and the price for each item was the same - 1. When I commented on the low prices a staff member told me that when they receive donations of valuable items they sell them online, on sites like ebay, but if the items are put in the shop for sale, they are sold at reasonable prices. The exact words the staff member used - people come in here expecting to find a bargain and that's what they get. I couldn't have put it better myself. While the shop isn't large, the layout is fantastic and the range of goods on offer is impressive. As a collector of costume jewellery I would have liked to see a little more of it, but that would be my one and only complaint. There were a couple of bits on the shelf that weren't even worth 1, but the vast majority of the stock was good quality and I managed to find one pewter bowl that was truly exceptional. The staff were friendly and helpful, even when the till seemed reluctant to cooperate, and after a fairly horrendous day I left this shop with a smile on my face. Though I don't live in the local area, I visit on a fairly regular basis and can honestly say that I will return to this particular shop whenever I can. It is, quite simple, as good as it gets.
Sep 24th, 2018

Aug 29th, 2018