By Lauren Perera
In this series, Revival visits some of the most renowned charity shops in South and East London. Finding those hidden gems and diving into what makes them so popular. We uncover those rare deals that you don’t want to miss!
In the bustling streets of South and East London, Traid has carved out a niche as a beloved small chain of charity shops dedicated to sustainable and ethical fashion.
With twelve branches in locations across London such as Brixton, Clapham, Peckham, Dalston and Lewisham, Traid raises money to fund international development projects and education programs, all while promoting the importance of reusing and recycling fashion.
The Peckham Experience
Among its many locations, the layout and an impressive selection of second-hand items make Traid in Peckham stand out. Step inside, and you’re met with a colour-coordinated wonderland, with racks neatly sorted by shade and style. As someone who typically only wears black, I love Traid’s colour-coding system! The store’s dedication to inclusivity is a standout, too, with a dedicated plus-size section with stylish finds in sizes 16 and up (a rare sight in the second-hand scene). And it’s not just about the clothes; there are accessories, linens, jewellery, and books, all at budget-friendly prices.
Designer Deals and Vintage Gems
One of Traid’s major features is its selection of vintage designer pieces. You can expect to find high-end labels such as Chloé, A.P.C. and Diane Von Furstenberg at significantly reduced prices. We’re talking £30 to £150 for pieces that would normally set you back triple the price! The two rails of clothes are always crowded with people when I go in there, so that must be a sign that it’s worth a peek.
Room for Improvement
While the Traid in Peckham has much to offer, one critique is the overflowing clothing rails. With the items packed tightly together, browsing can sometimes be challenging, making it difficult to look and take out the pieces you like from the racks. Fighting for my clothes isn’t too fun, so having a little more space between hangers would really enhance the shopping experience.
Affordable Fashion for All
Traid’s legendary sales are the ultimate fashion free-for-all. Picture this: everything in the shop slashed to as low as £3.50, sometimes even £2. Costs less than your morning coffee! For prices that low, who can complain when scoring a deal? Yet it’s always pretty busy when these sales are on, understandably, so make sure to get there nice and early to secure some bargains.
Donating
If you want to donate your clothes, Traid offers a service where they will pick up and collect your clothing donations for free. Although, looking at the reviews on Trustpilot, people have said they were disappointed in this service. So maybe give it a miss. I’d recommend heading into a store if you’re planning on donating; then you can have a browse while you’re in there. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the £2 sales.
It’s no surprise that Traid is a hit. Sure, the browsing experience could be smoother, but with its commitment to inclusivity and budget-friendly finds, it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise. If you love a good deal and don’t mind a little rummaging, consider this your new happy place.