Everyone loves a bargain and this summer there’s more reason than ever to hunt some out in Gloucester’s own treasure trove of charity shops.
Pre-loved clothes, brilliantly retro homewares and vintage finds – there’s something extra special about rooting them out for a steal, while supporting worthwhile causes along the way. And now there’s more incentive than ever to visit the city centre’s amazing network of charity outlets and nose through all they have to offer, by taking part in the Second Hand Summer Challenge.
Simply pick up a stamp card with any purchase at a participating charity shop, collect six stamps in total and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a Gloucester Gift Card to spend on whatever you like and keep supporting city centre retailers.
We have some amazing city centre charity shops taking part this year and this is how you can get involved:
- Pick up a loyalty stamp card from one of the participating charity shops.
- Visit and purchase from at least three of the participating charity shops to qualify to enter the prize draw.
- Collect six stamps on your card on six different visits before 24th August 2025.
- Once you have collected six stamps, fill in the card and hand it into any of the charity shops’ collection points and be in with a chance to win one of the super prizes!
- Watch out for the different T&Cs in the different shops i.e. spend £3+
- If you complete a stamp card – you can start a new one!
There are also workshops and demonstrations being planned. If you upcycle or can’t get enough of pre-loved purchasing, please get in touch.
Participating Gloucester Charity Shops
British Heart Foundation
Northgate Street
Furniture and Electrical Shop
PDSA Gloucester
The Oxebode
The Salvation Army
The Oxebode
Cancer Research
The Oxebode
“I think the project is a wonderful opportunity for the local community to help support our charities, our high street, the environment and most importantly get some amazing bargains! It is important for all of us to support each other where we can, when we can. We are very happy to be taking part in such a positive scheme for Gloucester and its residents.”
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Minimum Spend £3
“Our GWAAC Northgate Street shop is super excited to be involved in the Second-hand Summer Challenge, working together with other charity shops within Gloucester city centre to help impact and encourage customers to shop more sustainably. We have everything you could possibly need, along with a friendly team and a clean and inviting shop environment!”
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity Boutique
Minimum Spend £5
“Our GWAAC Boutique shop is unique with high-end and designer fashion, encouraging creative individuals to express their personality with recycled pieces. The Second-hand Summer Challenge will help promote and establish our stylish little shop and keep our customers coming back for more!”
Midlands Air Ambulance
Eastgate Shopping Centre
We’re thrilled to be taking part in the Second Hand Summer Challenge. We hope to see as many people as possible pop into our shop to browse our range of clothing, homewares, furniture and much more. We are also grateful for any donations of unwanted items which people can bring along to the shop. For large items such as furniture, we can arrange collections and deliveries too. Shopping our pre-loved goods is a vital source of income for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to ensure that our lifesaving pre-hospital emergency service can continue to reach and treat those who need it most in north Gloucestershire.
YMCA
Northgate Street
Longfield Care
Northgate Street
There’s now a summer “up to half price on selected items” promotion on!
The second-hand summer challenge is a great opportunity to encourage people to walk away from fast fashion and be more environmentally friendly. It also helps provide essential funds for our charity; supporting people with end of life care.
Previous Workshops and Demonstrations
Sam Bates
Vintage Nemo Crafts:
Thursday 25th July 5pm-7pm – Badge Making
Thursday 1st August 5pm-7pm – Tie Upcycling
Thursday 8th August 5pm-7pm – Jewellery Upcycling
Tickets: £3-£5
Location: Jolt Studios, First Floor Kings House, 27 St Aldate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1RP
Jussara Nazare
The Juicy Couture Sessions:
Saturday 27th July 3pm-5pm – Denim Painting
Thursday 1st August 6pm-8pm – Shirt Upcycling
Saturday 3rd August 1pm-3pm – Disco Homewear Creative Repair
Monday 5th August 6pm-8pm – DIY Patches for Jackets
Tuesday 13th August 1pm-3pm – Make a Bag with Scraps
Tickets: £3-£5
Location: Jolt Studios, First Floor Kings House, 27 St Aldate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1RP
Katie Taylor
Enchanted Making:
Saturday 27th July 10am-12pm – Mending Workshop
Thursday 8th August 6pm-8pm – Make Your Own: Enchanted Upcycled Hat
Sunday 11th August 1pm-3pm – Textiles Weaving
Tickets: £3-£6.13
Location: Jolt Studios, First Floor Kings House, 27 St Aldate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1RP
Where to find the participating shops
Click on a pin to find out more about the Charity Shop involved and how you can help.
British Heart Foundation
PDSA Gloucester
The Salvation Army
Longfield Care
Our shop in Northgate Street, Gloucester sells a variety of second-hand items, including ladies clothing, mens clothing, crockery, and books.
We accept donations of items and advise people to call us on 01452 300505 to book this in, due to a lack of space.
We are currently looking for volunteers so please pop in for a chat with Claire, Julie, and Meg.
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity Boutique
Midlands Air Ambulance
YMCA
Cancer Research Shop
The Salvation Army - Eastgate
Sense Gloucester
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