Article: Why charity chic is now big business; NEW GLASGOW 'DESIGNER' salvation ARMY STORE HIGHLIGHTS BOOM IN CHARITY SHOPS

THEY occupy a niche on most retail arteries, have an annual turnover of (pounds) 434million and nearly two thirds of the population claim to be a customer. Nowadays the humble charity shop is big business. Gone is the stigma associated with scouring second- hand goods. Tomorrow one Salvation Army charity shop in Glasgow will unveil its shiny new facelift, left, which positions it closer to a trendy emporium than thrift store. MAUREEN ELLIS charts the rise of the phenomenon and finds why spending money in charity shops benefits so much more than your wardrobe.

POKEY, unisex changing rooms, unpleasant aromas and shabby clothes were once the hallmarks of charity shops. Not any more.

A new ...

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