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Treasure Hunting in Manchester: Uncovering the 5 Best Charity Shops for Hidden Gems

  • Shop Offerings - We chose shops that have a wide range of products, such as clothing, accessories, books, home decor, and possibly furniture, catering to different tastes and needs.
  • Facilities - We assessed the overall atmosphere and layout of the establishment to ensure that it has a welcoming feel and well-maintained premises.
  • Community Engagement - We chose shops that support local causes and clearly communicate their charitable impact.
  • Service Levels - Customer service should be friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, enhancing the shopping experience.
  • Value for Money - Pricing should be fair and reflective of the value, with any discounts or sales adding value.

If you’re like me, then you know that there’s something utterly thrilling about charity shop hunting in Manchester. 

I remember the first time I stepped into one of these Aladdin’s caves—no sooner had I walked through the door than I spotted a vintage leather jacket that had “take me home” written all over it. 

The price? Less than my last takeaway coffee. So, If you’re anything like me and get a buzz from unearthing hidden gems and have a good eye for a bargain—Manchester’s charity shops won’t disappoint. 

1. Oxfam Emporium

oxfam-emporium

Services: Thrift store, books, vintage apparel, vinyl, CDs, DVDs, homewares

Location: 8-10 Oldham St

Contact: +44 161 228 3797 / [email protected]

Business hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 10 AM–6 PM
  • Sunday – 12–5 PM

Website

Google Reviews4 / 5
Yelp Ratings3.9 / 5
Total Reviews3.9 / 5
Score Consistency4 / 5
Shop Offerings4.6 / 5
Product Quality4 / 5
Product Variety5 / 5
Stock Turnover5 / 5
Facilities4.5 / 5
Store Layout5 / 5
Cleanliness4 / 5
Community Engagement4 / 5
Service Levels3 / 5
Value for Money4 / 5

The Oxfam Emporium is a fantastic place to find all sorts of items, from vintage treasures to great books. The first thing that we love about them is that they’re big on recycling, so customers can feel good about shopping sustainably.

Furthermore, we also appreciate that they have an online store, we think that this is a great way to browse their collection from home!

The store is easy to navigate as well, which we appreciate. We just think it could use a little cleaning up to match the quality of the items. 

We also noted that the service levels can vary. Most times we get friendly assistance, while some of our colleagues noted that some of their interactions weren’t as good.

And while most items are reasonably priced, we noticed that some vintage or designer pieces are a bit pricey.

Nonetheless, we appreciate how the variety and fresh finds make The Oxfam Emporium a fun place to shop!

Pros

  • Wide range of products offered
  • High stock turnover
  • Has an online shop

Cons

  • Inconsistent service levels
  • Records of overpricing

Fantastic charity shop

“Fantastic charity shop – some great bargains especially in the clothing sections. Actually feels more like a ‘modern’ vintage shop with a selection of all sorts with a big donation centre in the back.”

Rob Duffy, Google Review

Good place to volunteer

“You can find good stuff at a low price while contributing to a good cause. Good place to volunteer. I always find a hidden treasure. A few second hand items are actually new. They recycle all the items donated that can’t be used. Buying second hand clothes also reduces your carbon footprint.”

Andrea Oña, Google Review

2. RSPCA Charity Shop

rspca-charity-shop

Services: clothes, shoes, bric a brac, handbags, accessories, jewellery, toys, books, music

Location: 15 Oak St

Contact: +44 161 833 3883

Business hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 10 AM–5 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM–5 PM

Website

Google Reviews4.5 / 5
Yelp Ratings3 / 5
Total Reviews3.7 / 5
Score Consistency2 / 5
Shop Offerings5 / 5
Product Quality5 / 5
Product Variety5 / 5
Stock Turnover5 / 5
Facilities4.5 / 5
Store Layout5 / 5
Cleanliness4 / 5
Community Engagement5 / 5
Service Levels5 / 5
Value for Money3 / 5

The RSPCA Charity Shop is a great option when we’re in the mood for a good trinket hunt that supports a great cause.

We love that they are packed with goodies, from stylish clothes and quirky accessories to intriguing books and charming homeware.

We have to admit that sometimes the quality can vary, but we think that’s part of the fun! With fresh stock coming in regularly, every visit feels like a mini adventure, with new surprises waiting on the shelves.

The store is a breeze to navigate, thanks to its neat layout. Also, the online store doesn’t update as often as very often so the best deals are usually in-store.

As for the prices, they’re generally fair. Just keep an eye out—some items might be a bit steeper than at other charity shops, which could be a bit of a bummer for those on a strict budget.

In a nutshell, the RSPCA Charity Shop is a fab spot for scoring second-hand gems while doing your bit for a worthy cause. Just roll with a few quirks and enjoy the hunt!

Pros

  • Wide range of products offered
  • Accepts volunteers
  • Good store layout

Cons

  • Higher priced compared to other shops
  • Online store isn’t updated

Definitely recommend

“Great place to find good deals and support a good cause. A small shop but there are plenty of thrifted clothes available for less than £10. There’s a fitting room to try out the clothes. Definitely recommend for anyone visiting the Northern Quarter”

Benedict H, Google Review

Cute little shop

“Cute little shop, loved the book corner and found two very lovely poetry books there (also not expensive).”

M, Google Review

3. Mustard Tree

mustard-tree

Services: Clothes, food, appliances, furniture

Location: 110 Oldham Rd, Ancoats

Contact: +44 161 228 7331

Business hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 10 AM–2 PM
  • Sunday – Closed

Website

Google Reviews4.4 / 5
Facebook Ratings4.4 / 5
Total Reviews4.4 / 5
Score Consistency5 / 5
Shop Offerings4.3 / 5
Product Quality5 / 5
Product Variety5 / 5
Stock Turnover3 / 5
Facilities5 / 5
Store Layout5 / 5
Cleanliness5 / 5
Community Engagement5 / 5
Service Levels5 / 5
Value for Money5 / 5

For those on the hunt for a charity shop with top service and a fantastic range of quality items, Mustard Tree is a team favourite of ours!

One of the highlights that we love about them is that they’ve got everything from stylish clothes and home décor to books and unique finds.

We think this variety keeps things fresh with regular new stock, so there’s always something exciting to discover.

Furthermore, Mustard Tree isn’t just about shopping—they also offer educational courses and support local causes which we love. Plus, the friendly staff made our visit even better.

As for their prices, we think that their items are fairly priced according to the quality they offer. Our team was able to find lots of adorable second-hand furniture during our visit.

The only downsides worth mentioning are the limited opening hours and their location.  They’re definitely worth the trip for those nearby Ancoats, though!

Pros

  • Excellent service levels
  • Great quality items
  • Wide range of products offered
  • Offers educational courses

Cons

  • Limited opening times
  • Far from the city centre

 So friendly, so helpful

“We went to The Mustard Tree today. Found a great sofa bed and two good books to add to our collection. Best of all were the lovely people there. So friendly, so helpful. Thank you all.”

Bee Mundy-Castle, Google Review

Really nice staff

“Really nice staff. The building has been refurbished. A good place to volunteer and pick up new skills if you haven’t got any work experience. They have an Art Class for the Picassos out there. You can also learn to play the guitar. There is also a shop where you can buy all sorts.”

Kam A, Google Review

4. Salvation Army Charity Shop

salvation-army-charity-shop

Services: Clothing, food, toys, electrical items, furniture

Location: 184 Stockport Rd

Contact: +44 161 273 1463

Business hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM–5 PM
  • Sunday – Closed

Website

Google Reviews4.5 / 5
Total Reviews4.5 / 5
Score Consistency1 / 5
Shop Offerings5 / 5
Product Quality5 / 5
Product Variety5 / 5
Stock Turnover5 / 5
Facilities4 / 5
Store Layout4 / 5
Cleanliness4 / 5
Community Engagement5 / 5
Service Levels5 / 5
Value for Money4 / 5

With a fabulous 150-year track record and over 400 spots across the country, the Salvation Army Charity Shop is a classic choice for sustainable fashion and community spirit!

This shop is a treasure trove, boasting over 600 new items daily. They’ve become our go-to spot whenever we’re hunting for chic clothes, stylish homeware, or quirky vintage finds.

Additionally, we love that the quality is top-notch here, with well-maintained items and a fresh stock rotation that keeps things exciting.

When it comes to value, this shop is a winner. We’ve scored great deals on quality items while supporting a cause that’s been making a difference for over a century. 

Furthermore, we also commend their staff for always providing attentive and friendly service whenever we get a chance to drop by.

Sure, it might be a bit out of the way and they don’t have an online store, but the fantastic bargains and community focus make it well worth the visit.

Pros

  • Excellent service levels
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Far from the city centre
  • No online shopping options

Great staff, clean, good prices

“Great staff, clean, good prices

It’s good to support charities:)”

Candy K, Google Review

Lovely shop

“Lovely shop, so well organised, credit to the volunteers, we appreciate you!”

Marie-Angelique Bueler, Google Review

5. Cancer Research UK

cancer-research-uk

Services: Clothing, accessories, jewellery, shoes, bags, toys, books, linens

Location: Regent Retail Park, Regent Rd, Salford

Contact: +44 161 832 0772

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM–7 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM–6 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM–4:30 PM

Website

Google Reviews4.1 / 5
Yelp Ratings3 / 5
Total Reviews3.5 / 5
Score Consistency3 / 5
Shop Offerings5 / 5
Product Quality5 / 5
Product Variety5 / 5
Stock Turnover5 / 5
Facilities5 / 5
Store Layout5 / 5
Cleanliness5 / 5
Community Engagement3 / 5
Service Levels4 / 5
Value for Money5 / 5

Cancer Research UK Charity Shops are all about finding great deals while supporting a good cause. They help fund life-saving cancer research, making the shopping experience even more meaningful.

Inside, customers will find a wide range of items—from stylish clothes and accessories to books and household goods. Whether it’s a new outfit or a unique vintage piece, there’s something for everyone.

Another thing that we liked about their offerings is the quality, which is solid, with well-maintained items and new stock coming in all the time.

Furthermore, the prices are super affordable, giving great value for money while contributing to a vital cause.

Also, we want to highlight that the shop is clean and organised. It was so easy to browse without getting cramped during the peak hours of the day!

Even though they’re a bit out of the way and lack online shopping, the low prices, variety, and support for cancer research make the visit worthwhile.

Pros

  • Wide range of products offered
  • Good stock rotation
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • Far from the city centre
  • No online store

The staff are so friendly and helpful

“The staff are so friendly and helpful. Been twice this week after moving house. Some things if they can’t sell they will take and pass on to another charity. Worth travelling to if you have good quality stuff you want to find a nice home, and support a brilliant cause.”

Sarah Harris, Google Review

One of the best charity shops

“One of the best charity shops I’ve ever been in. It’s absolutely huge and has great rotation in stock as it’s very popular. Staff are friendly and prices are between 1-3 quid which is far cheaper than any charity shop in the area. I do wish that they would stock a couple more racks of men’s stuff but otherwise a really great shop to come.”

Dan Collins, Google Review

FAQs about Charity Shops in Manchester

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