CSG: Hello and welcome back to the Charity Shop Chat podcast with myself, Charlotte Greenwood. Unfortunately, Mimi couldn't be with us for this episode as she's full on working. As we all know, there is no downtime in charity retail So I'm afraid you're stuck with little old me. ⁓ As always, this podcast is by the Charity Retail Consultancy, ⁓ helping charities build that's commercially strong, people-led ⁓ and fit for the future. ⁓

Amelia Cartwright: now today's episode is really excited one and actually it ended up being too to into just one episode ⁓ so we've split it into two parts. Honestly, we could keep talking about this all day, but we're going to have to things there because ⁓ there so much more get into with Jen and we really didn't want to rush it. ⁓ In part one, we've really started unpack how people shop in charity retail. ⁓ And already there's really so much in there that shops take away and start thinking about differently. ⁓ But in part two, we go deeper. ⁓

CSG: and through charity retail learning in partnership with CRA, we're giving teams the tools to deliver that every day. Now, today's guest is someone who has completely redefined what it means to be a charity shop regular, because let's be honest, she isn't just browsing rails, she's curating culture. She's a woman serving up styling, storytelling, and serious secondhand inspiration to a growing audience who can now see charity shops very differently because of her. Equal parts thrifter, stylist, and storyteller,

Amelia Cartwright: We're talking about visibility, social media, TV platforms like this morning and what it really takes to make charity retail feel relevant, exciting and impossible to ignore. Plus, we've got our quick fire round coming up, which you won't want to miss. So make sure you're following the podcast and we'll see you in part two. Bye.

CSG: she has this incredible ability to walk into a shop and not just see what's there, but see what it could be. An outfit, a moment, a whole new identity. And then crucially, she shows the rest of us how to see it too. And she doesn't just keep that magic on Instagram. you might have spotted her bringing charity shop to the mainstream on this morning, ⁓ proving that pre-loved isn't just a nice idea. It's stylish, accessible, and absolutely worth paying attention She's also an ambassador for the Air Ambulance Service. So alongside the fashion and a wicker basket or two, there's real purpose behind what she does. Championing charity retail, not just as a place to shop, but as something that genuinely matters. Now, we also need to talk about the vibe because this guest brings a very specific energy to charity shopping. Think great finds, great styling, and quite possibly a Shenzheno in hand somewhere along the way with a bit of cooking and a dating update thrown in for good measure. It's fashion, it's fun. It's a little bit chaotic in the best possible way and it's completely infectious. She's showing people that charity shops aren't dusty or dated. They're full of potential, personality, and pieces that deserve a second life if you know where to look. And that's exactly what we're getting into today Because this guest isn't just influencing what people buy, she's influencing how they shop, how long they stay, what they notice, and ultimately what they spend. So whether you work in charity retail, love a good thrift, or just want to understand how to make shops feel more exciting and more relevant, you're going to love this episode. So let's give a very big charity shop chat welcome to the one and only Jen Graham, better known as Charity Shop Girl.

Amelia Cartwright: So let's give a very big Charity Shop chat welcome to the one and only Jen Graham, better known as Charity Shop Girl. Hi. That literally just nearly made me cry, all those things you saying about me. I could feel like myself going. That was so lovely. That was such a lovely introduction. Thank you.

CSG: Welcome Jen. It's all all true all true. You know, You've definitely brought into mainstream and ⁓ that shouldn't go ⁓ and we love good intro on the podcast We feel like it's that your this is your life moment ⁓ That is fine do that let's get yourself a man through the podcast ⁓ that was the aim So let's start with an easy one then

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah, that was like the best intro ever. I might put that on my dating app bio actually.

CSG: For anyone who hasn't come across you before, can you tell us a bit about how you went from Jen Graham to Charity Shop Girl?

Amelia Cartwright: Well, I have actually charity shopped for a very long time. I'm 40 now and I've charity shopped since I was 17, but it actually went way before then because my dad used to take me to this. like a terrible childhood, but I went to the scrap yard he used to take me to. And it was, he said, I loved it. I loved having a rummage. I would come out with the most random things and I would rather go there than like a main toy shop. So I think I've always been a rummager at heart, but

CSG: way before then, because my dad used to take me to this, sounds like a terrible childhood, but I went to the scrap yard he used to take me Oh brilliant. And it was, he said I loved it, I loved having a rummage, I would come out with the most random things, and I would rather go there than like a main toy shop, so I think I've always been a rummager at heart, but probably when I was about 17, I started going out, 18, I just didn't want to wear the same stuff that everyone else wore, and I knew that I could find it second-hand.

Amelia Cartwright: Probably when I was about 17, I started going out, 18. I just didn't wanna wear the same stuff that everyone else wore and I knew that I could find it secondhand. I could find more different things. So I ventured into charity shopping, but it wasn't until 2020, I think was that COVID. I got major redundance during COVID from Land Rover and it was my daughter who said, why don't you start doing TikToks and showing what you buy from the charity shops?

CSG: I could find more different things. So I ventured into charity shopping, but it wasn't until 2020, I think it was at COVID. I got major condoms during COVID from Land Rover. And it was my daughter who said, why don't you start doing TikToks and showing what you buy from the charity shops? And it just kind of went from there really. It just ended up.

Amelia Cartwright: and it just kind of went from there really. just ended up really spinning and removing the stigma of what charity shopping was. You the amount of people that message me on a daily basis and say, I've never stepped foot in a charity shop until you, I, you know, I would never have gone in one, but you've opened my eyes is a huge, huge achievement.

CSG: really spinning and removing the stigma of what charity shopping was. You the amount of people that message me on a daily basis and say, I've never stepped foot in a charity shop until you, I would never have gone in one, but you've opened my eyes. It was a huge, huge achievement. Yeah, I bet. bet your daughter's like, no, can pay me my commission. She loves it now. Honestly, she loves charity shopping as well. she's, hair that my son have helped me.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah, she loves it now. Honestly, she loves charity shopping as well. she's the head and my son have helped me edit my videos, told me to do trends and stuff like that, trends and audios and stuff. They've been such a support for me, which is amazing. And obviously I get like mega cool points now because I'm on social media. Yeah, they love it.

CSG: edit my videos, told me to do trends and stuff like that, trends and audios and stuff, they've been such a support for me, which is amazing. that's good. then, not on social media, you're on TV, you're on podcasts, you're everywhere, you're blowing up, but it's brilliant. I know if Mimi was here, she would say about how important Gen Z and the younger generation is important to kind of, you know, you're never too old to learn, are you?

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. Yeah, and I think the thing is you've got to move with the times, haven't you? And that's where everything is now. You know what mean? No one posts leaflets anymore. No one. Well, I still do get leaflets, but they go straight in the bin. So people do. I'm very influenced by social media. You know, if I if I'm going to buy something.

CSG: to teach everyone how to use social media and be an influencer, a micro influencer or just someone who just enjoys putting their videos out there. now you know what I mean no one posts leaflets anymore yeah exactly don't read it people do I'm very influenced by social media you know if I if I'm gonna buy something I will go on tick tock or social media and look at a review from someone to get an idea of am I gonna buy that

Amelia Cartwright: I will go on TikTok or social media and look at a review from someone to get an idea of, am I gonna buy that? That's where I get most of my inspiration for buying stuff. social media is definitely the place to be now.

CSG: That's where I get most of my inspiration for buying stuff. So social media is definitely the place to be now. Yeah, absolutely. at what point did you realise that your content was influencing how people shop, ⁓ just what they buy? ⁓

Amelia Cartwright: I think it was when charities were asking me to come into their shops. I think they were realizing that the fall was going up, that people were seeing things differently. ⁓ Different people were coming in. weren't still seeing the regulars, but new faces were coming in. And then I think it was when the Air Ambulance asked me to be an ambassador and I thought, and I had like about 700 followers when they asked me to be an ambassador. So they...

CSG: charities were asking me to come into their shops. I think they were realising that the footfall was going up, that people were seeing things differently, ⁓ different people were coming in, they were still seeing the regulars but new faces were coming in and then think it was when the Air Ambulance asked me to be an ambassador and I thought, I have like a... 700 followers when they asked me to be an ambassador. So they obviously just saw that I was being like a voice.

Amelia Cartwright: they obviously just saw that I was, yeah, and I was being like a voice. ⁓ And that kind of just escalated things for me then really, ⁓ know, ⁓ because I do think that ⁓ sometimes charity maybe don't understand, didn't understand I was about, you know, is she just this influencer who just wants to be famous or, you know what I mean? And that.

CSG: And that kind of just escalated things for me then really, as, you know, because I do think that sometimes the charity sector maybe don't understand, didn't understand what I was about. You know, is she just this influencer who just wants to be famous? You know what I mean? And that isn't the case at all. I am solely here for charity retail. That's my beating heart. It's not even so much about sustainability as much as it's about

Amelia Cartwright: isn't the case at all. I am solely here for charity retail. That is my beating heart. It's not even so much about sustainability as much as it's about, I know that five pounds spent in an air ambulance charity shop puts cannulas on an air ambulance. I know that 15 pounds spent in a might and hospice charity shop in Warwickshire pays for a patient's meals all day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's the impact, you know. So I think that when the charity retail sector saw that, that it was, it was about, I'm here for them. I'm yours, yeah. I belong to the sector, know, share my videos, use me when I'm in there, you know. And I think that's when I realized that there was this connection with the sector, you know. And the sector have been incredible like this. So I love that they recognize me when I go in. Cause people say, are you famous now? Do you get recognized only in charity shops? But I love that because

CSG: Know that five pounds spent in an air ambulance charity shop puts candles on an air ambulance I know that fifteen pounds spent in a might and hospice charity shop in Warwickshire pays for a patient's meals all day breakfast lunch and dinner Yeah, it's the impact absolutely so I think that when the charity retail sector Saw that that it was it was about I'm here for them. Yeah, you're authentic. Yeah, I belong to the sector, you know, yeah my videos use me when I'm in there You and I think that's when I realized that there was this connection with the sector, you know, sector have been Incredible like this so I loved it. They recognized me when I go in because people sell you famous now Do you get recognized only in charity shops? Because I belong to the sector, you know, so when they get excited that I'm coming in or you know, it's one of my students say my mom volunteers so so and she absolutely loves you, know, it's

Amelia Cartwright: I belong to the sector, know, so when they get excited that I'm coming in or, you know, someone messaged me and say, my mum volunteers so and so and she absolutely loves you, you know, it's really lovely that I have that relationship with the sector because I'm here to help make them more money and put them on the map.

CSG: It's really lovely that I have that relationship with the sector because I'm here to help make them more money.

Amelia Cartwright: And where I live in Sandbatch, I'm obviously from Liverpool, but I've lived in Sandbatch 16 years now. They're so supportive. I have such a good relationship with every charity shop in Sandbatch and I give them a shout out and my favourite charity shop is in Sandbatch as well. I don't like to say that I've got a favourite, but I have got a favourite. Which one is it? St. Luke's. Oh, that one. And I've got others who are very close, but St.

CSG: in Sandbatch. I'm obviously from Liverpool but I've lived in Sandbatch 16 years now. They're so supportive. I have such a good relationship with every charity shop in Sandbatch and I give them a shout out and my favourite charity shop is in Sandbatch as well. don't like to say they've got a favourite but I St. Luke's. I've got others who are very close but St. Luke's in Sandbatch never come out of their empty hands. If I need something specific I know that I will get it from there. Their prices are amazing, the quality of the stuff that they put out is amazing. It's just my favourite. ⁓

Amelia Cartwright: in Sandbatch, I never come out of their empty hands. If I need something specific, I know that I will get it from there. Their prices are amazing. The quality of the stuff that they put out is amazing. It's just my favorite.

CSG: by a behaviour. What's the first things that shape your decision on whether you stay and browse or if you kind of turn it back around and walk out? I just don't judge them like that. don't, I'm going in there, the first thing I probably see is what charity it is from the outside. think okay and I know so much about each individual charity now that I have that little moment to myself a and then

Amelia Cartwright: day. I just don't judge them like that. don't, I'm going in there. The first thing I probably see is what charity it is from the outside. think, ⁓ okay. And I know so much about each individual charity now that I have that little moment to myself ⁓ and then I just go in and browse. I judge ⁓ anything when I go in charity shop. I mean, I do prefer a rummageer one than a heavily-merchandised. I do. Yeah. Yeah.

CSG: I just go in and browse. don't judge anything when I go in a charity shop. I I do prefer a rummage-y one than a heavily merchandised That's interesting, isn't it? Because there are two camps. And I think I remember you doing a poll on your stories, actually, about do people prefer a rummage or do you like really neat and tidy and clean visual merchandising? Yeah, I know. And I did have to show that to my exec team and my trustees and be like...

Amelia Cartwright: Do you prefer? Yeah. More people love the fromage. They do. Yeah. Yeah.

CSG: See, people love a traditional charity shop, they love a rummage, they love the thrill of the hunt, don't they? That's the whole joy of it though, isn't That's why when people say to me, do you not miss going and buying something new? I don't get any excitement out of

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah, that's the whole joy of it though, isn't it? That's why when people say to me, do you not miss going and buying something new? I don't get any excitement out of it. I do buy things new. I've never said I 100 % shop in charity shops, but yeah, and shoes I often buy trainers new, but you know, my daughter shops on the high street sometimes and if I go in there with it, I just don't get that excitement because I'm like, no, there's like 15 pairs of the same jeans, 15 of the same tops. I love coming out and going. No one is gonna have that on. And that's why the rummage-iness is everything to me. And I always say to people, I've got people who say, ⁓ I don't like a charity shop. And I go, I'm gonna ask you a question. ⁓ do you like a TK Maxx? And they go, I love a TK Maxx. And I go, well, then you're a charity shopper because it's that rummage.

CSG: Yeah. And that's why the rummage-iness is is everything to me. And I say to people, I've got people who say, Oh, I don't like a charity shop. I go, I'm going to ask you a question. How do you like the TK Maxx? And they go, love a TK Maxx. Well, then you're a charity shopper because it's that rummage. Yeah, absolutely. And I love that word rummage-iness. We love a rummage-iness.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah, it's my favourite word of rummage.

CSG: And that is nice to hear that you do look at the shop name above the door

Amelia Cartwright: And that's something I talk about a lot. you know, that charity retail should really lean into that, having those very small messages around their shops that says five pounds put to cannulas on an air ambulance. And if someone at the till, you know, spends 20 quid and the volunteer says, do you know that 20 quids would pay for a therapy session for a, you know, a sibling going through bereavement, you know, was I have a counseling session?

CSG: Yeah and the volunteer says, you know that 20 quid would pay for a therapy session for a sibling going through a breathing session? That impact is huge. Yeah, absolutely.

Amelia Cartwright: that impact is huge, you know what mean? And I think that that's the message I'm constantly trying to get out there is what you're doing for these charities. Cause I always get like, ⁓ charities are expensive now, are they? But it's so frustrating because they don't realize that they still pay rent, that they, you know, when we use these services for free, where do you think that that money is coming from?

CSG: constantly trying to get out there is what you're doing for these charities because I always get like ⁓ charities are expensive now ⁓ they ⁓ frustrating isn't it yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah Do you think that that money is coming from? Yeah, I mean it does drive me mad But I do love having those conversations because I love sticking up for the charity sector. those answers for the people who are like

Amelia Cartwright: You know what mean? It does drive me mad, but I do love having those conversations because I love sticking up for the charity sector and I love having those answers for the people who are like so lost with what they think is happening.

CSG: so lost with what they think is happening. Yeah and that's why it's important to have people like you because those misconceptions are rife. know people think we don't pay rent for the shops or we get it for free as if landlords are gonna throw away profit.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. Yeah, I know. I know, ⁓ and also another thing, this is quite a subject. ⁓ comments about CEOs that I get that CEOs are on an absolute fortune. I did a post about that because that is probably one of my biggest things, but I think that what people don't know is that a CEO, we're paying for that skills to... look after that charity which may have a hundred shops, know, which has budgets, which has, you know, maybe has a hundred, maybe that's extreme, 50 air ambulances out there. You know, it's, we're paying for this man or woman's skills and they're managing a charity, you know, you know, and that is probably my biggest thing. But again, Which is why I want the sector to know that I'm not just here to show you hauls and show you what I buy, I'm showing you why I'm buying it, but I'm also removing those big stigmas and having the answers, because I've done the research. I do research about the charity sector.

CSG: and show you what I buy, I'm showing you why I'm buying it but I'm also removing those big stigmas and having the answers because I've done the research. That's brilliant and I totally agree with CEOs and anyone in the charity retail and their salaries. wish that people could get paid more but we're always very conscious that we're trying to raise funds for such important causes but we do have to pay people A, what they're worth, know we want to do that for people don't we and but also the skills

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. Exactly. Yeah, 100 % yeah.

CSG: needed to manage a charity. is so wide, you have to put on so many hats, you're looking after charity shops, fundraising, marketing, if you're hospice, you're looking after the clinical side of things, which has so much governance and safeguarding and safety, air ambulance, I'm sure they've got ridiculous health and safety procedures and protocols in place. targets are outrageous. When I think of like, to go up once in an air ambulance on one mission is £3,800. Oh wow.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. Yeah. their targets are outrageous. When I think of like to go up once in an air ambulance on one mission is £3,800 or something like that. And sometimes they could go up five, six times in a day. And I think people just don't understand where does that money come from? And again, people will comment and say, why aren't we paying volunteers? But volunteers, know, volunteer for a reason.

CSG: Yeah ⁓

Amelia Cartwright: There's normally a reason why somebody chooses to volunteer and it's not about the pay. It's about they want to help the charity. Maybe they've lost someone and they want to get themselves out the house. It's a social thing. Maybe they've been out of work and they want to put something on their CV. So they want just a little bit of like experience to get. And again, it's just opening up that whole question of it is so much more than what you are thinking. You're thinking like just so basic about.

CSG: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, which is great. Yeah, and that's the thing with volunteers when it's Volunteers Week, which is what that's actually coming up not too long away

Amelia Cartwright: a situation that has so many answers and it is frustrating but I have been using my social media platform recently for a lot more educational things than just being about the halls.

CSG: June I think is if you put on any kind of event or thank you event for volunteers like a tea party or whatever It might be they're always like, no, no, no, don't spend money on us. That's not what we volunteer for They don't want to be paid. They don't want money spent on them because they want the charity to be spending it on their own good causes So it's such selfless people. They're incredible Okay,

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, exactly.

CSG: So what's the moment where someone goes from browsing to actually buying? Do you think there is a tipping point on where you can put them over to the buy inside of things to get more money for charities?

Amelia Cartwright: I think that comes from pricing. I think personally, I think first impressions are everything. If someone walks in and I have walked into some charity shops, picked up something and thought, wow, that's a lot. And that's not me saying that that charity shouldn't be getting that money. I just think that that is a lot. it could just be, yeah. And also it could be a very basic item. I do also understand that

CSG: Yeah. think personally, I think first impressions are everything. someone walks in and I have walked into some charity shops picked up something and thought wow that's a lot and that's not me saying that that charity shouldn't be getting that yeah I just think that is a lot yeah I can't spend that yeah and also it could be a very basic item I do also understand that because there's so many different volunteers and there's no like structure really people they don't know yeah ⁓

Amelia Cartwright: because there's so many different volunteers and there's no like structure really people they don't know they don't because things can go amiss can't they like I've picked up a pair of Doc Martens boots for two pounds I got trolled really bad for it actually saying that ⁓ you should have spent more money and you know the volunteer obviously hasn't realised I mean I did spend another 40 quid while I was in there so it didn't matter but you know but me leaving with that two pound Doc Martens and saying to someone saying to ten people they were two pounds

CSG: I got trolled really bad for it. actually saying that, you should have spent more money. And, you know, the volunteer obviously hasn't realised. I mean, I did spend another 40 quid while I was in here. But, you know, but me leaving with that two pound Doc Martens and saying to someone, saying to 10 people, they were two pounds is so much bigger than me coming out of there and saying to someone, oh, I went in there and they were

Amelia Cartwright: is so much bigger than me coming out of there and saying to someone, ⁓ I went in there and they had like a, you know, a Zara jacket in there and it was, there's a shop in Knutsford and they charged like 40 quid for the blazer. That to me is just insane because it won't have even been that in the sale. Do you know what mean? It probably won't have even been that full price. I think if your prices are really reasonable, not too low, because I don't think you should be charging pennies because you've got bills to pay.

CSG: You know, there a Zara jacket in there and there was a shop in North Spurs. And they charge like 40 quid for the blazer That to me is just insane because it won't have even been that in the sale Yes, yeah, it probably won't have even been that full price. I think if your prices are really reasonable Not too low because you should be charging pennies because you've got bills to pay And I don't but I don't think it should be outrageous. Yeah, I think if someone walks in and picks stuff up and goes these prices are so good Yeah, that encourages me to buy definitely

Amelia Cartwright: And I don't, but I don't think it should be outrageous. I think if someone walks in and picks stuff up and goes, these prices are so good, that encourages me to buy, definitely. Yeah, does 100%. And you tell people, yeah, like I'm talking about St. Luke's, prices, they're consistent, they're well within reason of what they would be. I think that sometimes,

CSG: It encourages you to come back as well because you get that thrill of finding a bargain. Yeah, I'm talking about st. Luke's the prices they're consistent they're well within reason of what they would be I think that sometimes Someone might research how much it would have been brand new We should really be researching how much it is on eBay invented Yeah, which is it going second-hand and knock a couple of pounds off because you do want people to come back Yeah, and it's a stock turn as well. Isn't it if you've priced it to too high It's gonna sit on your shop floor for ages Whereas you know there is a decline in the quality of day

Amelia Cartwright: someone might research how much it would have been brand new but you should really be researching how much it is on eBay and Vinted, how much does it go in second hand and then knock a couple of pounds off because you do want people to come back. Yeah. Yeah.

CSG: but we're not donation poor. There's quantity flooding shops, isn't there? So you want to get it out on the shop floor and get it sold as quickly as possible and pricing is key to that.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah, yes exactly, yeah. Yeah, and I think things like, you know, the shop places we do not like to mention like Sheen, you know, all those type of fast fashion things they should be selling for that. Get them out. You know what mean? Get them gone off your shop floor for people to they are a one way thing. So, you know, get them gone so that, you know, then they can come back and then be resold or whatever else. But things like that shouldn't be being charged anywhere over five pounds, I think, because they're just rubbish, aren't they?

CSG: places we do not like to mention like Sheen, know all those type of fast fashion things they should be selling for that, get them out, get them gone off your shop floor. They are a one way thing, you know get them gone so that you know then they can come back and then be resold or whatever else but things like that shouldn't be being charged anywhere over fast. They are the qualities so bad. Okay so ⁓ You show a lot of styling and outfit building on your Instagram. How important is that in helping customers see the value? I think what I like to think of myself is I don't want people to copy my style. I want them to be inspired by creating your own style. I wear what I love. I don't care if anybody else doesn't like it or they don't get it or, you know.

Amelia Cartwright: I think what I like to think of myself is I don't want people to copy my style. I want them to be inspired by creating your own style. Like I wear what I love. I don't care if anybody else doesn't like it or they don't get it or, know, and I want people to really lean into that. And that's what is gonna encourage them to go out into the charity shops because you're not wanting to copy someone's style. You wanna see an item and think, that is so me.

CSG: And want people to really lean into that. And that's what is going to encourage them to go out into the charity shops because you're not wanting to copy someone's style. You want to see an item and think, that is so me. I love that. You know, and you put it on and you think, is so me. I feel great. feel, you know, so I think by me showing people the most random things that I pick up that I love shoulder pads, the most bizarre things and people will go, I would never have picked that up.

Amelia Cartwright: I love that, you know, and then you put it on and you think, this is so me, I feel great. feel, you know, so I think by me showing people the most random things that I pick up that I love shoulder pads, the most bizarre things and people will go, I would never have picked that up. I would never have put that with that. I wore that 30 years ago. It's changing people's mindset of saying, yes, it might be an older brand. Yes, it might be a brand that maybe you would never have worn, but

CSG: I would never have put that with that. I wore that 30 years ago. It's changing people's mindset of saying, yes, it might be an older brand. Yes, it might be a brand that maybe you would never have worn. But think about what you can do with it. You know what mean? Yeah, I think one of the biggest tips I ever picked up from you was not to ignore the men's section. Yeah, I've got men's blazers. Yeah, specifically men's blazers. Because I think that what I like, I don't like tight stuff, wear a lot of tight stuff.

Amelia Cartwright: Think about what you can do with it. Do you know what mean? Yeah, I've got a men's blazer on today. I actually even wear men's jeans because I think that what I like, I don't like tights, don't wear a lot of tight stuff. And I also feel that women's size and sometimes can be really inconsistent and it messes with, you can mess with your like mental health. It can mess with your mental health if you're like a 10 in one shop and a 14 in another shop and then you try something on and you can't button a size 10, but you would, you're a size 10 in the other shop. Do you know? Yeah.

CSG: And I also feel that women's size and sometimes can be really inconsistent. Oh yeah, definitely. it messes with you, it can mess with your like mental health. Yeah. you're like a 10 in one shop and a 14 in another shop and you try something on and you can't button a size 10. You're a size 10 in the other When you get stuck in it in the changing rooms and you get the sweat on, you're like, Oh my God, I'm not getting this off.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah, so inconsistent and our bodies are all so different. Men's stuff is that the sizing is consistent. Like I'm probably a size 10. I buy 32 waist trousers. They sit perfectly on me. The length is great. The quality is great. I feel great in it. I think if you're conscious of your, if you like a longer sleeves, sometimes women's sleeves are shorter. Sometimes they dart them at the back and I just, just feel so much more comfortable.

CSG: stuff is that the sizing is consistent. I'm probably a size 10, I buy 32 waist trousers, they sit perfectly on me, the length is great, the quality is great, I feel great in it. think if you're conscious of your, if you like the longer sleeves sometimes women's sleeves are shorter, sometimes they dart them at the back and I just... I feel so much more comfortable. Yeah, yeah, definitely. And that's the thing, as a plus size girl, I find it a little bit more difficult to find my sizes in charity shops. I'd love to buy pre-loved a lot more. And that's the one thing I'd love charity shops to do a little bit better, I think, is to have kind of a section for that plus size. So it's easier for me to find that because I would love to have it. But interesting, I was talking to some shops, charity shops in Wales, and they said, because everyone's on a Zempik.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. Yeah.

CSG: they're getting an increase in plus size clothing donations

Amelia Cartwright: that is a good question. Yeah. There's a real gap in the market for someone to make some really good plus size beautiful clothing because I feel like a lot of it's like Novelty stuff and it's like you know what I mean, and it's

CSG: a real gap. for someone to make some really good plus beautiful clothing. Absolutely. Novelty stuff and it's like, you know what I mean? Yeah. Well, it just feels like they want you to hide your body. Yeah. So then it's just shapeless and ugly and in really boring patterns. Exactly. We want to dress like everyone else just in our size. That's why I think.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah Exactly. And that's why I think there's a severe lack of it in the charity shops is because when you go from where it starts, there isn't a lot of choice anyway. You know what mean? And I think that's where the problem is.

CSG: there's a severe lack of it in the charity shops is because when you go from where it starts, there isn't a lot of choice anyway. know what mean? And I think that's where the problem is. Yeah, absolutely. And that's the thing, because representation is important because you want to cater for everyone. And I know when I used to have our shops at the hospice, I used to make sure we had a plus size mannequin in the shop. So whenever you do have any plus size, you can put it on the mannequin. But even then, the mannequins that were available for plus size, they were all six footers.

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. Yeah. They're all six footers. Yeah. I'm five footers. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

CSG: and I'm like I'm five foot three that's you know just because you're plus size doesn't also mean you're taller so yeah it is just crazy but you're right it's got to start at the beginning those who produce the yeah yeah but yeah thank you those who are on the jabs I'm getting more plus size clothes in the charity shops for me too isn't it that isn't it funny

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah, exactly. Yeah, I just don't think there is much choice out there anyway, really. That makes so much sense as well, honestly, yeah, I wouldn't even thought about that.

CSG: So interesting. But then the flip side, they said, well, we get slightly less customers now because they're all losing weight. And I was like, no, I'm fine. I'll be in there. I'll buy it. I'll come to Wales. OK, so what do you think charity shops could do better in terms of visual merchandising?

Amelia Cartwright: Yeah. better in terms of visual nursing. I'm not a big follower of trends. I don't follow trends. I never have done. I think the trends is a big part of why there's so many clothes going to landfill and stuff because we're constantly being told that's not on trends. That's not cool anymore. That's so last season. So don't talk about that. But I feel like charities could lean into that a little bit more as in, you know, if a bootcut leg jean is out.

CSG: I don't follow trends I never have done I think the word trends is a big part of why there's so many clothes going to landfill and stuff because we're being told that's not on trends, that's not cool anymore, that's so last season so don't talk about that but I feel like charities could lean into that a little bit more as in you know if a blue-cut leg jean is out

Amelia Cartwright: focus more on that, you know, if they looked at more trends, know, as leopard print really big at the minute, because that's what's going to bring in the younger audience, I think, you know, it's about, we want to appeal to the younger audience as a sector, but they're going to the high street because they think it's on the trends, you know what I mean? They want to follow the trends. So I think that the sector could maybe do a little bit more about focusing on those things just to attract that other audience. But I will say about the sector,

CSG: focus more on that. know, if they looked at more trends, know, as leopard print really big at the minute, because that's what's going to bring in the younger audience. Yeah. You know, it's, it's about, we want an appeal to the younger audience as a sector. Yeah. But they're going to the high street because they think it's on the trends. Yeah. Follow the trends. The sector could maybe do a little bit more about. focusing on those, just to attract that other audience. What I will say about the sector, like it's come a long way. Yeah, hugely. Very quickly. Like some of these shops are like boutiques now. you know what mean? ⁓ yeah, yeah. When you think, is this a charity shop? It's gorgeous. East Cheshire Hospitals just opened one in Nottsford not long ago. I helped them open it and it's a beautiful shop.

Amelia Cartwright: like it's come a long way very and it's it's in a very very quickly like some of these shops are like boutiques now do know what mean where you walk in and you think is this a charity shop i don't know is it's gorgeous you know what mean east cheshire hospice have just opened one in nutsford not long ago i helped them open it and it's a beautiful shop beautiful and the way they merchandise is beautiful it's still got that rummage you feel but

CSG: beautiful and the way they merchandise is beautiful. It's still got that rummagey feel but they have like a little designer section, they've got a vintage section, got a bit of a... They really, the lady who does the merchandising in there just just on another level, she's amazing. Brilliant. And I think what it does is it makes you walk in and go...

Amelia Cartwright: They have like a little designer section, got a vintage section. They've got, they really, the lady who does the merchandise and then they're just on another level. She's amazing. And I think what it does is it makes you walk in and go, wow. You know what mean? It's like, but it's still got that rummage-ness.

CSG: You know what I But it's still got that rummage-ness. Yeah, nice. Best of both worlds, isn't it? What's your view on things like colour blocking, outfit grouping, or, you know, I think you've said theme displays, but there's always a massive debate on colour blocking, particularly. What's your view on that? I don't

Amelia Cartwright: I don't want that. But that's my personal preference. The only thing I definitely like is sizing. ⁓ having said that, don't always, I rummage the whole rail. That's one of my top tips. I don't just stop when it's not my size. I keep going because sometimes vintage things, we don't know what size it is or, you know, I wear ⁓ a lot of different sizes and like I say, sizes are inconsistent, but just, don't like color blocking.

CSG: But that's my personal preference. The only thing that I definitely like is having said that, I rummage the whole rail. That's one of my top tips. I don't just stop when it's not my size. keep going because sometimes vintage things we don't know what size I wear ⁓ a lot of different sizes and like I say sizes are inconsistent but I don't like colour blocking.

Amelia Cartwright: because I think it's easy, that is easier for someone who's not a charity shopper or they're just new charity shoppers because it's easy for that they're not so overwhelming. But I would rather it being like tops, trousers, jumpers, because I feel like that makes you be a little bit more adventurous because you won't just go towards the colours that you would always wear. You might find something to go really I wouldn't normally wear that colour, but it's still keeping it in tops, trousers, jumpers, jackets, but.

CSG: I think it's easy, that is easier for someone who's not a charity shopper or they're just new charity shoppers because it's easy for them, they're not so overwhelming. But I would rather it be in like tops, trousers, jumpers. Cause I feel like that makes you be a little bit more adventurous. Cause you won't just go towards the colors that you would always wear. might find something like, oh really? I thought I wouldn't normally wear. Still keeping it in tops, trousers, jumpers, jackets, I'm not a block. No, think I'm a bit... I think it looks nice, but actually from the practical shopping, purchasing point of view, I think it limits purchases. because people will only go for their colour then, you see, and then avoid the other stuff. And I do that when I go into a shop, there's colour blocks, think, I don't really wear pink and pink. Yeah, exactly, so you just bypass it. Yeah, but it could be the most perfect top in there. You know what mean? And I recently, I wore an olive green colour. I've never worn...

Amelia Cartwright: that I'll call a block. Yeah. Yeah, because people will only go for their color then you see and then avoid the other stuff And I do that when I go into a shop that's color blocks. I think ⁓ I don't really wear pink and purple So i'll just avoid yeah, but there could be the most perfect top in there You know what I mean? And that recently I wore an olive green color I've never worn anything olive green the amount of comments going that is so your color That is gorgeous that suits you and it did and I felt great in it when I look back I think that is my color. I never would have done that. It's about that adventure of

CSG: worn anything olive green the amount of comments going that is so your color that suits you and I did and I felt great in it I think that is why I never would have done that it's about adventure yeah yeah feeling like it's not done for you yeah yeah

Amelia Cartwright: feeling like it's not done for you. So that's the whole point of rummaging, isn't it?