Cardiff: The Charity Supermarket, known as Charity Super.Mkt, has opened its first Welsh location in St David’s Shopping Centre, providing a variety of second-hand fashion while supporting Traid and Havens Hospices, attracting eager shoppers with unique deals on designer items and original costumes.
Residents of Bristol are likely familiar with the well-known shopping initiative, Charity Supermarket, colloquially known as Charity Super.Mkt. Expanding its reach, a new location has opened in Cardiff, approximately one hour away, enhancing local shopping options while supporting charitable causes.
This latest branch of Charity Super.Mkt is located on the upper level of the busy St David’s Shopping Centre. The opening provides shoppers with an opportunity to discover various bargains, all while contributing to multiple charitable organisations.
The launch of the new store took place on Friday, February 14, attracting considerable attention. Wales Online reporter Bryana Francis visited the space, describing it as a “veritable treasure trove of wonders.” Shoppers can find garments from well-known brands including Nike, Adidas, Zara, Gap, Monsoon, Ralph Lauren, Whistles, Vivienne Westwood, and Barbour, among others.
Bryana’s exploration of the store revealed a diverse array of fashion choices suitable for various customer preferences. The wide-ranging selection was warmly received by a lively crowd, which delighted the staff. Sales assistant Maria Sulca commented on the inclusivity of the shoppers, stating, “We see all ages, all styles, all backgrounds and I enjoy that.”
A notable feature of the store is its unique collection of costumes from the Royal Ballet and Opera, which are displayed in a dedicated corner. Each meticulously crafted costume is original and offered at reasonable prices, as noted by Wales Online. The charity associated with these second-hand costumes highlighted their reliance on donations to maintain the future of ballet and opera in schools and theatres across the UK.
On the inaugural day, shoppers discovered enticing deals such as Ralph Lauren shirts for £16.99, North Face t-shirts for £8.99, rugby tops at £19.99, and a Barbour jacket priced at £30.99. Store employees reported that pricing is determined by the brand and the condition of the items, with designer pieces often disappearing quickly.
The Cardiff location of Charity Super.Mkt supports two charities: Traid, which advocates for those involved in the clothing industry, including cotton farmers and garment workers, and Havens Hospices, providing specialised care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. The Bristol site also contributes to Traid.
Following a soft launch on Thursday night, Maria noted an overwhelming demand for items, leading to staff needing to restock immediately on Friday morning. Emphasising the significance of second-hand shopping, she stated, “For me it’s so important because we reduce waste around the world and also help people through our charities.” She elaborated that offerings range from basic high street brands like Zara and H&M to luxury names such as Valentino and Prada, reflecting the variability of donations received.
The new Cardiff store stands as the first Charity Super.Mkt in Wales and marks the latest addition to the chain in the UK. Initially, the store will operate for a six-month period, with hopes for an extension depending on its success.
Source: Noah Wire Services
