I’ve loved charity shops ever since I started working for local charity, Prama, a few years ago, just before the pandemic. I really enjoy the experience of raiding the rails and finding myself a total bargain, something which is much easier to do at Prama than other charity shops as they have such affordable, reasonable pricing for their clothes, footwear, accessories, books and bric a brac. When I say affordable, I mean it.. Tops, jeans, skirts, jumpers, shoes and bags are priced at £3 each, whilst dresses are £4, coats are £5 and books, DVDs and CDs are just 50p each or three for £1! My wardrobe is now around 80% Prama and I love it.
I have always wanted Prama to have a shop in Westbourne as the area is fantastic for charity shop finds, so I was thrilled when they announced their latest shop would be opening on the highstreet, and patiently waited for the launch, which was on Monday, just hours after my sister and I packed up our tent at Camp Bestival, where we had been for her hen for the weekend. We grabbed a quick shower before heading over to see what treasures we could find.
Aaron, Head of Retail at Prama, who I used to work with, was at the shop and able to explain a little about the Premium Preloved range, which is now available in a few of the shops including Westbourne (having previously been isolated to the Ashley Cross shop). Premium Preloved features items that are designer or high end labels, priced at between £6 and £12, giving shoppers in-store the chance to purchase items before they go onto the charity’s eBay page. I picked up a Crew jumper, priced at £6, which was in perfect condition and you could really feel the difference in quality of the material too. The Premium Preloved range is perfect if you like labels, without the huge price tag, and it’s a fantastic way to add high-end pieces to your wardrobe without breaking the bank, whilst also helping a local charity at the same time.
The Westbourne shop is a brilliant gem on the highstreet, located just steps from M&S, which also has parking, and within close proximity to Bournemouth and Poole town centres. If you haven’t been to a Prama shop before, they also have shops in Blandford, Christchurch, Parkstone, West Moors, Boscombe, Kinson, Tuckton and their Bournemouth Superstore, which is my absolute favourite and their most recent opening prior to Westbourne.
I have put together various posts and reels about my preloved finds at the shops including this video with tips on finding bargains. I really would recommend giving charity shopping a try if you haven’t before. Not only can you find really lovely pieces at low prices, you also know that you are helping a good cause at the same time. Plus, if you have a few too many clothes in your wardrobe, you can easily drop these off at the same time!
Prama Westbourne is located at 61 Seamoor Road, BH4 9AE and open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.
