Shopping second-hand has become a major trend in Birmingham, offering a brilliant way to find unique items, save cash, and support environmental causes. By giving pre-loved goods a new home, shoppers prevent them from ending up in landfill while discovering incredible value. The charity shop scene across the city and its surrounding areas has evolved dramatically, now featuring expansive superstores, curated collections, and even on-site cafes.
Top Picks for Pre-Loved Fashion and Homewares
Leading the pack is Reloved Brum in Harborne, which was crowned Charity Shop of the Year. Raising funds for Birmingham Hospice, its two-floor layout and boutique-style displays are often likened to trendy retailers like Urban Outfitters. The shop also features a mezzanine café named Evoke, perfect for a coffee break.
For brand-new items at charity prices, Newlife in Yardley is a standout. Located at Yew Tree Retail Park, it sells donated new stock from retailers, including womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear. Prices range from a few pounds for T-shirts to £12.99 for branded coats, with all proceeds supporting children with disabilities.
In Knowle, the Marie Curie Charity Shop earned the title of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop in 2025 after a public vote of over 40,000 people. It is celebrated for its stunning window displays and its warm, community hub atmosphere.
Family Finds and Superstore Treasures
Parents should head to Kids2Kids Preloved in Shirley. Run by a Solihull mum, it specialises in quality items for children up to age 10, offering neatly presented clothes, toys, and books. Baby equipment and furnishings can also be ordered via their website.
Harborne is also home to the Acorns Children’s Hospice Superstore, described as the 'charity version of TK Maxx'. This large store uses 'Star Buy' labels to highlight high-value designer pieces and boasts an impressive library of over 6,000 second-hand books.
Following a fire and subsequent refurbishment, the Sue Ryder shop in Kings Heath reopened in late 2025 to great acclaim. It is now hailed as one of the best in Birmingham, famed for its eclectic mix of vintage clothing, furniture, and electrical items.
New Openings and Destination Stores
A major new addition is the Acorns Megastore on Bescot Retail Park in Walsall. This recently opened giant sells everything from clothes and games to furniture and household goods. It features a dedicated reading area and offers free parking for visitors.
In Sutton Coldfield, The ReUsers operates like a charity department store. Situated near the household recycling centre, this vast warehouse sells restored furniture, antiques, bikes, and garden items, all rescued from landfill. Its mission is to create supported employment for people facing barriers to work.
For those willing to travel a little further, the New Life Superstore in Cannock is worth the journey. The original Newlife store, it sells discounted new homeware as well as designer and high-street clothing, all in aid of the charity.
The landscape of charity shopping in the West Midlands has been transformed, offering savvy shoppers a sustainable and economical alternative to the high street while supporting vital local causes.
