Behind the scenes in our Charity Boutique
Published on 10 December 2024 12:40 PM
Do you like to shop pre-loved for the planet and your wallet? Look no further than our brilliant boutique on the bustling Leather Lane.
Our managers Lee and Nina took a quick break from the busy shop floor to tell us more about the boutique and why they love second-hand shopping.
What does a typical day look like at the Leather Lane Boutique?
Nina: Every day is different and sometimes you just can't plan the day until you see what comes through the door and who is in the shop with you. I could be alone and serving customers all day, or with a team of volunteers in a flurry of activity. There are so many jobs behind the scenes to keep the shop, eBay, and Vinted filled with stock too. That's what I love about the shop, no two days are the same.
What do you love about charity shops?
Lee: I think they bring communities that are broken closer; people tend to talk in shops, so you overhear conversations that may not happen at home. We’re a 360-industry - supporting charity fundraising via retail and contributing to the pre-loved market and the circular fashion economy.
How does the boutique work with the local community?
Lee: The boutique is a friendship hub and with everything moving online and working from home, it’s a great drop in for people who like to interact. We host workshops around different subjects such as wellbeing or the intergenerational relationship with clothes.
Nina: Most of our regular volunteers are from the local community. They enjoy volunteering with us and each volunteer brings a different skill, culture, or personality to us. Local businesses and residents donate and buy from us too.
Do people come into the shop asking for help and advice?
Nina: We do get people that come in who have used our in-store Information & Advice services. When people come in looking for help and advice, we direct them towards the service that can help them best.
What kind of donations do you need most?
Lee: We always need books and vinyl as people ask for vinyl all the time. Designer or vintage are always in demand, so we always need items that are fabulous!
Nina: During the festive period we always welcome new or nearly new goods that can be used as Secret Santa gifts. Many of our local businesses have a Secret Santa budget and they have to buy from a charity shop. That helps us with our target and buying pre-loved items is always a sustainable way to shop.
Do you have any style or fashion tips for us?
Lee: Don't rush, let your style develop as it will give you good memories. Some customers in their 80s say they are feeling freer and chicer in their clothes now than in their 20s because they are more experimental.
Nina: Just be yourself! If you are wearing all one colour add a bit of colour with a colourful scarf - it may lift your mood.
Our boutique is open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm. All the income from our boutique, ebay and Vinted (@ageukcamdenpreloved) goes directly towards helping older people in the borough of Camden.