Vintage, secondhand, pre-loved, thrifted, hand-me-downs – whatever you call clothes that come with their own history, Liverpool is the place to be when it comes to grabbing yourself a bargain without breaking the bank.
Secondhand September is an initiative kickstarted by the international charity, Oxfam which encourages us all to shop secondhand throughout the month. With the cost of living crisis leaving us all skint, plus a whole host of ethical issues surrounding fast fashion, ie. pay, working conditions, and ever-growing landfill to name just a few, there are loads of benefits to secondhand shopping.
Liverpool is a brilliant city to bag yourself that unique wardrobe. in the Secondhand September challenge. From charity shops and weekly car boot sales to community school uniform events and our beloved Bulky Bobs for the best furniture and home wear, you can shop til you drop for less. You can find out more about Secondhand September and how to share you vintage bargains on socials, here.
Here are 9 of the best secondhand September shops and events happening in Liverpool this month.
Paper Cup Coffee Fashion Table Sale, Queen Square
On Saturday 24th September, Liverpool’s newest indie coffee shop, Paper Cup Coffee will be throwing open its doors from 10am til 2pm to raise much-needed funds to support its sister charity and homelessness outreach programme, Paper Cup Project. You can expect new and vintage garms, accessories and home wear from brands such as Matalan, Boux Avenue and more. It’s free entry and all items are £5 and under!
British Red Cross, Prescot Road
Rita and the gang at BRC, Old Swan have such a flair for fashion, the shop window is a local talking point. You’ll find an almost constant supply of H&M, Cos and Massimo Dutti seconds or samples alongside tonnes of modern accessories, swimwear, and outerwear. Rita runs designer Sunday events with discounts on top of secondhand prices!
Bulky Bobs, London Road
Home improvements can cost an arm and a leg and some certain flat pack furniture doesn’t last! So, when it comes to a home refresh why not go secondhand? Bulky Bobs on London Road offers everything from fire places for a fiver, to three pieces sofas for less than £75 – fully cleaned! Christine and the team work incredibly hard to turn donated furniture around for resale rather than adding to landfill. Think baby cots to BMX bikes, corner sofas, rugs, dining tables and everything in between. We’re living for the pre-war wardrobes and bevilled mirrors! Very Downton Abbey!
Take Two, Bold Street
Dressed up like an indie vintage shop, Take Two is infact a Barnado’s charity shop and it always has great bargains on offer. We’re talking Zara denim, H&M knitwear and Dune shoes on the regular. Located on Bold Street we highly recommend popping in to check out the special ocassion dresses where you’re sure to save a fortune for a one-wear dress. Great for its range of sizes and right in the middle of town. What’s not to like?
69A, Renshaw Street
Now we’re talking vintage! 69A boutique is a real gem when it comes to clothing, books and art from lots of different countries and cultures. Pick up a new print for your livingroom wall, pour over the vintage leather jackets – you know that smell, and marvel at the collection of books on offer for way below the original prices. Mens, womens and childrens clothing available plus art work and records too.
Bootle Car Bootle Sale, Trinity Road
Bootle might not be your first choice of destination for a Sunday morning stroll but if you love a secondhand mooch, you have to check it out. Frequented by locals, students and families, you can pick up everything and anything. There’s always young lads picking up sportswear, mums buying top quality secondhand Kenzo for the kids and you can literally redecorate your house with sheer amount of mirrors, canvases and lamps – every single Sunday. Sellers queue to get in from 4am and the early birds take torches! Get involved.
Open Door, Allerton Road
Open Door is the boutique charity shop arm of White Chapel Centre, a homelessness charity based in Liverpool. This particular store is for the fashionistas who love a label! If you’re looking for cute dresses, high street denim and a bit of glitz, we highly recommend you drop in and browse the rails for a weekend-winning outfit for less. Think retro, vintage and contemporary looks while doing something amazing for a local charity!
British Heart Foundation, Richmond Street
Another city centre gem that seems to have loads of original, eye-catching garments for a fraction of their original prices. Wedding, races, christenings, whatever you need a hat for, BHF Richmond Street has got you sorted. Feathers, fascinators and Next, Zara and Reiss dresses to match. This store has a fantastic stock of great quality shoes, bags and coats. Looking for this seasons must have mac? Why pay full price?
So whatever you’re looking for, clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, home wear, bikes or sports equipment – Liverpool has a bargain waiting for you. Maybe Secondhand September is just the start! plan your next vintage shopping trip and help local charities to support those who need it most.
Written by Michelle Langan
