Deals is one of those second hand shops that seems to be springing up all over the place…read more.. especially over the last five years or so. I guess that they are the modern equivalent of the pawn brokers shops, and so instead of dealing in watches and jewellery, ornaments and other valuable items, they specialise in electrical items such as TV's, DVD's, Home Audio, Computers, Games Consoles, Guitars, PA Equipment etc etc... Just like a pawn brokers they also offer secured loans on the stock that they buy and sell. Prices of the items on sale are generally pretty cheap, and so I believe that they only offer the customer who exclusively buys items from Deals real value for money. If you are selling equipment or taking out a loan it's a different story entirely.

One of the worst thing about the recession is the emergence of 'we'll buy your goods for hardly any…read moremoney' shops. The cash for gold ones are the worst; 'have you got any unwanted gold lying around the house?' 'Now you mention in there's unwanted gold all over my house, if only I'd thought of selling it before, my children could have eaten these past two weeks.' Less grabbing than cash for gold, these shops buy things like electrical goods and sell them on for profit. Obviously of you were prepared to advertise the items yourself you'd probably make a great deal more money. As a shopper, the selection here is pretty good. It shows what kind of stuff people are willing to sell off. If you're in the hunt for a television or a hifi and don't mind that when it goes wrong, it's not going back to the shop then this place is for you.

I remember when Scope used to be The Spastics Society. Yes that's right. It wasn't that long ago…read morethat we were all outrageously un-PC! I remember the day that they announced the new name, and still recall thinking, 'yeah, that's all very well, but yesterday we used to know who we were helping when we purchased something from the shop, and today we haven't got a clue!' I used to buy al of my second-hand clothes at the now named Scope in my home town of Nantwich, (I was an art student don't you know!?!) It was an incredible little shop, full of 50's and 60's gear that I loved back in the late 70's, early eighties. I particularly liked the 50's formal dress... the smart blouses, fitted suits and heaps of beautiful embroidery or heavily stiched clothes that were dense on the detail (line after line of stitching and piping that gave a ribbed appearance to a jacket for example). But I digress! It's nigh on impossible to get these kinds of clothes from charity shops any more, and you're lucky if you can find them in the retro stores. These days it's all 70's and 80's fashions that are available... Yup, the stuff I refused to wear when it was in the first time round, and refuse to wear now too. It's funny how the charity shops have somehow synced up with the High Street. It seems that fashion has done a bit of a full circle, and that charity shops are able to stock clothes that reflect the current fashions of the day. This is a great charity shop, and especially important as there aren't as many second hand shops as you'd imagine in this area.

The charity shop is one of the less well looked after shops and is in need of a refurbishment to…read morebring it into line with the direction of the other shops along the street. This charity shop provides all the standard goods such as clothes, books, cd's and bric a brak. They are slightly different in their window display showing garments on mannequins, that being said it doesn't detract from the shabbiness of this particular store and the clothing in general is for the older person. This place reminds me of older shops that haven't caught on to the new charity shop strategy, I hope they do because this place really could co with a more inviting décor, the staff are very pleasant which kind of makes you forget about the shops condition.

Why has this only just opened? Why couldn't it have opened last year when I was looking for…read morefurniture and was forced to go to Ikea instead? I was convinced that City Road/Crwys Road were populated with second hand furniture stores when I moved into my new house, but I was clearly hallucinating. So, I was so pleased to find this store had opened, next to that most ethical supermarket, The Coop. The shop has a vast floor and has a wide variety of new and used furniture, electricals and general stuff for the home. Sofa's a-go-go - ranging in proce from really cheap (and look it) to really reasonable three piece suites, leather and modern funiture. There is bedroom furniture from brand new pine stuff to more 'retro' good as well as a vast array of TVs from £10! We may not be talking plasma, wide screen HD TV here, but good enough for a games console or student bedroom to keep up to date with Corrie. Most pleasing was the appearance of reasonably priced and reasonable condition 1930s furniture including sideboards, wardrobes and dressing tables. When looking for this stuff before I was reduced to online and pseudo 'antique' shops which charged an arm and a leg. If you're a student, moving into your first house or generally want a slightly more retro look to your home then please check this shop out first before hitting the obvious!

Moving into a new place is an arduous process. You've got bills to worry about, bank accounts to…read morecontact and drain dry, boxes to move and people to buy beer and pizza for, parties to plan... Moving into an unfurnished place is even worse. Especially if you're of the studenty bent. Not only do you have all the previous issues to deal with, you've also got to source new furniture, gather funds to pay for said furniture, or buy and eat enough pizza to build furniture from the leftover boxes. You may think I'm joking about that last one. I'm not. I've seen it done. Wasn't comfy, but what you lacked in comfort you more than made up for in lots and lots of pizza. Here's where BHS steps in. Their second hand furniture and electrical store lets you furnish a house cheaply, and on top of that, you know your money is going to a good place, which appeals to all those kind-hearted students, and the cynical gits who are trying to hope on the good foot and do the bad thing with said kind-hearted students.

As a student I went to many charity shops on the look out for books for my obsession with reading…read more The shop has a lot of interesting second hand stuff and I would have a browse to see if there was a bargain. Unfortunately it's hit or miss whether you'll find something you want, or you may go in and end up getting something you rather didn't buy. Either way it for a good cause so has more intrinsic value when you buy from here.

This is by far the best charity shop in Cardiff. The friendly staff welcome you into their…read moreAladdin's cave of goodies and gifts. The walls tower with books and games, and outfits and handbags hang from the ceiling. There is always something new and interesting to find... and if you can't find it? You feel relaxed enough to ask. And gather round, lend me you ears if you want to hear the best part. I will only say it once as it is a secret I keep close to my heart.... If you ask nicely and use the code word "upstairs" there lies a hidden room with all the magical treasures a young fancy-dresser or vintage queen could ask for. Words cannot describe how you have not, and never will, truly experience my love for Cardiff without this adventure. Reasonable Prices Good Cause My Best Buy: a vintage badminton racket for £3. Top that... I dare you!

It's really good to see a Barnardo's shop on Albany Road, as there somehow seems to be less of them…read moreabout these days. It must also be a choice location for the charity, as it's situated in the right area in terms of demographics, and there's really not too much competition about either. I can only think of one other charity shop in the immediate vicinity; Scope, which will mean that the revenue that they are able to generate here should be above average. Barnardo's is the UK's leading children's charity. They do a phanominal amount of good where it is most needed. Currently they are assisting "over 132,000 children, young people and their families in urban and rural communities every year, enabling the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children to overcome issues such as poverty, abuse, homelessness, bereavement, discrimination and disability". Barnardo's ethos is simple and far reaching. They believe that everyone deserves a chance in life, and their key objective is to provide those, who would effectively fall through the net without some kind of support, with opportunities for self-betterment and inclusion. They state that "all children and young people have the right to be part of communities, groups and activities which improve their lives giving them a better start in life". Projects are based in both urban and rural communities, working alongside local people and groups to regenerate poor areas, reduce crime and create safer, healthier communities for children and their families.

Albany road is the scene for charity shops there everywhere, if you plan charity shopping it could…read moretake you the whole day to get through all of them but don't miss out Barnardo's or Ty Hafan both being childrens charities and having matching colour schemes. The shop has all the random items you'd expect and some items you wouldn't of imagined, needless to say clothing are a major part of the stock with other bits and bobs laying around. I always advise scouting for books as I'm a real booky kind of guy, so this place offers the chance to get a bargain and controbute to a cause, I very much believe in they're ethos.

So far Save The Children has provided help to 500,000 people in Pakistan's devastated flood…read moreaffected area, including medical care, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene items, water purification sachets and food. They have established 63 child-friendly spaces and are working with communities to address issues that affect children's well-being. With the threat of water born diseases such as cholera taking hold, it is imperative to act quickly to avert many more deaths in this region. There are several ways of supporting these efforts. Money can be donated or you can sort through your unwanted household items and pop them down to the shop. Items wanted include ladies fashion, children's and menswear, books, DVDs, CD's and vinyl records. All of these items are clearly for sale as well... and now that the weather is turning you may want to consider getting your Christmas cards a little earlier this year?

As charity shops go this one has a lot of great stock from some pretty good donations. Clothes,…read morebooks and other nick nacks are everywhere. Many bargain hunters will be looking to get some retro or boutique quality wears from here, but for me I am on the hunt for that ever-elusive prey, a good book at lowest prices. Save the children is only slightly better kept than Vision gift shop and that a shame as a lot of the other charity shops put a lot of effort into sorting and making the shopping experience more professional.

When I think of the British Red Cross I remember selfless acts of kindness and war films with red…read morecross lorries with supplies being sent to distant lands, and helping people who are in crisis. The shop is well kept, well stocked with clothing, books, games, music vinyl, painting frames and other bits and bobs. Trying to find something through the selection requires some patience and a bit of time. You can sometimes be surprised to find a treasure in between all the rummaging.

There's a number of charitable causes that I like to support, but I still always prefer to buy…read morethings from the British Red Cross wherever possible. They do the most amazing work in war torn areas around the world, and are led by such compassionate values that I totally trust their mission! They also take huge personal risks to protect and save the lives of others... really very commendable. Shopping at British Red Cross charity shops is always a pleasant experience as well. They tend to be modern, well laid out, and always stocked with some great stuff. This shop is particularly good for books and can be good for clothing as well. Prices are really reasonable, and the service is impeccable. A great charity shop in anybodies book!

This charity shop is one among many along albany road…read more The shop sells charitable donations, for me that mean a rummage around the book section looking for something interesting. The red decor is a brand statement and in keeping with the British Heart Foundations colour scheme. As charity shops go this one is clean uncluttered and is more resembling a modern refurbished shop than a run down charity shop and makes for pleasant shopping. It's a good feeling knowing your purchase will make a contribution to a charity, so buy something.

The British Heart Foundation is one of my favourite charity shops. This one is especially brilliant…read morefor the way it has managed to take on board the recent developments in charity shop running (as I have said before, pushed too far this can be the death of a charity shop) whilst still remaining loyal to its customer base. Most people who shop in charity shops are old; they don't want to be visually assaulted by lurid clothes and shoes. This shop is filled with lovely people, all of whom I think could be either my grannie or my friend, and they have a good range of stock too. I came in here and got some tea towels to make a Halloween costume but they were actually really good quality so we kept them for real use! The prices are great too.

George Thomas Hospice Care is similar in many ways to most other charity shops in that it stocks…read moreall of the usual items including; clothing, books CD's and DVD's, and a reasonable selection of bric-a-brac. In terms of appearance it is one of the better shops of its type and is clean and well organised. Prices are really reasonable too, making it my favourite charity shop in the area. I have bought a number of items of clothing here, but it's the books and DVD's that lure me in every time. What makes this shop a little different from the rest is that it's a local charity which means that they also organise regular fundraising events in Cardiff, many of which are pretty high profile events, like gala dinners and even operatic events. They are looking for volunteers at the moment, but although I'm tempted, I'd struggle to find the time. (I already volunteer at the RSPCA.) They also look like they could use some more clothing donations as the stock levels looked a little low last time I was in. George Thomas Hospice Care is a major provider of free consultant-led community specialist palliative care to those facing cancer and other life threatening illnesses in Cardiff. They exist to help those suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, as well as offering support to their families and carers.

This George Thomas Hospice Care charity shop is one of six throughout the Cardiff area, selling the…read moreexpected ranges of clothing, bric-a-brac, accessories, clothing, books and CDs and DVDs. It's always a pleasure to browse this shop, as it's tidy and well-presented, and the volunteers who work here are cheerful and chatty. Sometimes, I find it a bit discouraging when charity shops charge prices that seems a bit steep for what you're getting (I know it's going to a good cause, and for books, I'm happy to shell out, otherwise, I don't like feeling like I'm being swindled). George Thomas Hospice Care prices its stock at the more modest end of the scale, and that, combined with the extensive stock of books and DVDs, makes it one of the better charity shops in town. Like Rachel said, this George Thomas Hospice Care is Cardiff-based, so it's gratifying to know the profits are benefitting people in our community. I can't say enough good things!

You wouldn't think looking at the urban front of the Adamsdown Resource Centre that there is a…read moresecret paradise of willow arches and fresh fruit, veg and flowers within, but there is and it's beautiful. This community garden is just one of the resources the Centre offers you as well as the chance to become involved in maintaining it. If you live in Adamsdown then you are lucky to have such a fantastic resource on your doorstep. Out of the Centre's offices come walks and workshops, classes, meetings, training, festivals and fun days. Their windows are plastered with posters offering a 'free homework club', 'summer woodwork project', the chance to 'sing in a community choir'. ...And they're open to other suggestions, this is a community space, this is your space. If you live in Adamsdown and want to get to know your neighbours, knock on this door, grab a cup of tea and get involved.