I used to work for Prama, a charity for older people, prior to going into hotel digital marketing and the part of my job I loved the most was being able to visit the charity shops to have a browse and to take some photos for the website and social media sites. I got a real knack for discovering absolute bargains during my time there and I now love having a visit to one of the shops to pick up some absolutely amazing additions to my wardrobe each time.
I was very excited to find out that Prama’s very first Charity Superstore was coming just down the road from where I live in Moordown, Bournemouth. The opening day was on Valentine’s Day, just a couple of hours prior to our flight for Geneva but I knew I couldn’t miss it so I headed along for a quick browse before I left for the airport.
It was a dangerous idea as I stayed much longer than I planned to as it was so much bigger than the rest of the Prama shops (they have several around the Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch areas) and it was full to the brim with so many amazing things including clothing, shoes, bags, books, DVDs, games and puzzles, children’s toys, soft furnishings, bric-a-brac and even some larger furniture pieces (I was gutted to find the treadmill had already been sold by the time I got there).
I loaded my arms up with a selection of items, headed to the conveniently located fitting room for a little try on, and walked back out with some brilliant additions to my Geneva carry-on luggage! I was most impressed with my boots, which I wore all around Geneva and up to Chamonix in The Alps and they were so comfortable and durable for only £3! I also had lots of compliments on my new black mini dress, which I wore out to dinner in Switzerland. It was under £5 too – total bargain! I know I will be back again before long, so I need to make sure I donate lots of my unwanted items at the same time, to make room for any more finds!
I was really impressed with the children’s section of the shop too – there were so many toys, books, puzzles, games and clothing and I managed to get some lovely gifts for my three children whilst I was there (no mean feat when they are fussy). I picked up a cuddly toy for my daughter for just £1 – honestly the prices are so reasonable in Prama shops. I got myself a pair of Karen Millen jeans and a Zara knit for just £3 each too.
Prama is a charity supporting older people in the community, as well as working alongside Prama Care to help subsidise care in the home. It is such a worthy cause and I am so pleased their charity shops are going from strength to strength to help continue their amazing work in the local area. Make sure you check out their new superstore in Moordown soon!
